Weapon system with multi-function single-view scope

ABSTRACT

Certain aspects of a novel weapon sight system combine a direct view, a visible light video view, and an infrared (IR) video view mode. Each of the view modes may be viewed individually or simultaneously with one or more of the other view modes through a single viewing aperture. Further, the one or more view-modes may be provided while providing a bore-sighted reticle superimposed on the selected view. Further, the reticle may be powered separately from the video view electronics enabling use of the reticle regardless of the power status video view electronics.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/978,718, filed Feb. 19, 2020, entitled “WEAPONSYSTEM WITH MULTI-FUNCTION SINGLE-VIEW SCOPE,” the content of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Any and allapplications, if any, for which a foreign or domestic priority claim isidentified in the Application Data Sheet of the present application arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties under 37 CFR 1.57.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a weapon scope. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to a weapon scope that is capable of simultaneouslyproviding a direct-view of a target scene and one or more video viewsthrough a single window or aperture.

BACKGROUND

Scopes can be used with weapons to enable a user to more clearly see atarget compared to not using a scope. Typically, scopes are designedwith optics that includes one or more lenses to focus the light enteringthe scope on the user's eye and enabling the user to see at a greaterdistance. The optics often make the scope heavy, particularly when ahigh-degree of magnification is supported by the scope. Further, theviewing aperture of the scopes are often relatively small to preventexcess light from entering the scope.

SUMMARY

The systems, methods and devices of this disclosure each have severalinnovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for theall of the desirable attributes disclosed herein. Details of one or moreimplementations of the subject matter described in this specificationare set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a weapon system thatincludes a firearm and a firearm scope. The firearm may comprise a mountconfigured to support attachment of an accessory to the firearm. Thefirearm scope may be mountable to the firearm via the mount of thefirearm. The firearm scope may comprise a sight system configured toadmit light via a first window of the firearm scope and present a targetscene or an image of the target scene, to a user via a second window ofthe firearm scope, wherein the image of the target scene is formed basedat least in part on light admitted by the first window of the firearmscope. The sight system may comprise: a first image source configured togenerate a first image for presentation to the user, wherein the firstimage source generates the first image based at least in part on theadmitted light; a second image source configured to generate a secondimage comprising a reticle for presentation to the user; a waveguidedisplay configured to display the second image superimposed on the firstimage to the user; and an image projector configured to project at leastthe first image onto the waveguide display.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to a firearm scopecapable of providing both a video-view mode and a direct-view modethrough a single viewing window. The firearm scope may comprise: ahousing comprising a first window configured to admit light and a secondwindow that enables a user to view a target scene; and a sight system atleast partially housed within the housing, the sight system configuredto process the admitted light and to present the target scene to theuser via the second window. The sight system may comprise: a direct viewdisplay viewable through the second window, the direct view displayhaving a luminous transmittance greater than or equal to about 30% usingCIE Illuminant D65 when viewed within at least 10 degrees ofperpendicular to the direct view display, thereby permitting a directview of the target scene through a transparent display substrate of thedirect view display; a redirection element configured to redirect atleast some of the admitted light received through the first windowtowards an image sensor when in a first state; the image sensorconfigured to generate an image based on the light received from theredirection element; and a projector configured to project the imageonto the transparent display substrate of the direct view display.

Yet additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to a firearmscope capable of displaying superimposed source imagery on a waveguidedisplay. The firearm scope may comprise: a housing comprising a firstwindow configured to admit light and a second window that enables a userto view a target scene; and a sight system at least partially housedwithin the housing, the sight system configured to process the admittedlight and to present the target scene to the user via the second window.The sight system may comprise: a first image source configured togenerate a first image for presentation to the user, wherein the firstimage source generates the first image based at least in part on theadmitted light; a second image source configured to generate a secondimage for presentation to the user, wherein the second image comprisessymbology; a waveguide display configured to display the second imagesuperimposed on the first image to the user; and an image projectorconfigured to project at least the first image onto the waveguidedisplay.

Further aspects of the present disclosure relate to a firearm scopecapable of providing both a thermal-view mode and a direct-view modethrough a single viewing window. The firearm scope may comprise: ahousing comprising a first window configured to admit light and a secondwindow that enables a user to view a target scene; and a sight system atleast partially housed within the housing, the sight system configuredto process the admitted light and to present the target scene to theuser via the second window. The sight system may comprise: a direct viewdisplay viewable through the second window, the direct view displaytransparent when viewed at a range of angles, thereby permitting adirect view through a transparent display substrate of the direct viewdisplay; a beamsplitter configured to permit the transmittance of lightwithin a visible wavelength range while reflecting light within aninfrared wavelength range towards an image sensor; the image sensorconfigured to generate a thermal image based on the light within theinfrared wavelength range received from the beamsplitter, therebypermitting a thermal view; and a projector configured to project thethermal image onto the transparent display substrate of the direct viewdisplay.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a firearm scopeconfigured to provide a view of a target scene to a user. The firearmscope may comprise: a housing comprising a first aperture configured toadmit light and a second aperture configured to present the target sceneto the user; and a sight system at least partially housed within thehousing, the sight system configured to process the admitted light andto present the target scene to the user via the second aperture. Thesight system may comprise: a dichroic mirror configured to reflect atleast some light of the admitted light that is within infrared spectrumand transmit at least some light of the admitted light that is withinvisible spectrum; a moveable mirror configured to reflect at least somelight within the visible spectrum towards an optical subsystem when themoveable mirror is within a first position associated with a firststate; an image processor configured to generate an image based on lightreceived from the optical subsystem; a projector configured to projectthe image into a first point of ingress of a holographic waveguide; andthe holographic waveguide configured to present the image to the userwhen in the first state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects and advantages of the embodiments provided herein are describedwith reference to the following detailed description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, reference numbersmay be re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements.The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments describedherein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Inaddition, various features of different disclosed embodiments can becombined to form additional embodiments, which are part of thisdisclosure. Any feature or structure can be removed or omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example scope or sight system inaccordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an example scope or sightsystem in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a view of the rear face of the sight system inaccordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates a view of the front face of the sight system inaccordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D shows the optical transmission (e.g., a measure of a ratiobetween transmitted and incident optical intensity) through an examplezinc sulfide window plotted against the wavelength of the incidentlight.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the opticalcompartment of an example sight system in accordance with certainaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side-view cross-section of the optical compartmentof an example sight system in accordance with certain aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an example direct view display(DV-display) with one input image port and one output image port.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side-view of an example DV-display with two inputimage ports and one image output port.

FIG. 4C illustrates a side-view of an example DV-display with one inputimage port and one image output port that receives a composite imagegenerated by two projectors and a beam combiner.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of a reticle projector comprising apoint-like light source, a concave mirror, and a flat mirror.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example of a reticle projector comprising a lightsource, a reticle mask, and a lens.

FIG. 5C illustrates an example of a rotatable multi-pattern reticle maskthat allows selecting from two or more reticle patterns.

FIG. 5D illustrates an example of a reticle projector comprising a lightsource, a concave mirror and a reticle grating.

FIG. 5E illustrates an example of a rotatable multi-pattern reticlegrating that allows selecting from two or more reticle patterns.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front perspective view of an example scope orsight system in accordance with certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates a rear perspective view of an example scope or sightsystem in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C illustrates a front view of an example scope or sight system inaccordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6D illustrates a rear-view of an example scope or sight system inaccordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6E illustrates a side view cross-section of an example scope orsight system shown in FIG. 6A to 6D.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view cross-section of an example sight systemthat supports direct view and a video view.

FIG. 8 illustrates a 2D cross-sectional view of the of the sight systemwith an integrated laser range finder, an integrated eye tracker, anintegrated inertial measurement unit.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an Electronic Processing and Control Unitof an example scope.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a composite image viewable through the sightsystem (e.g., image of a war zone, the bore-sighted image of the reticleand examples of auxiliary information).

FIG. 11A illustrates the side view cross-section of an example sightsystem (shown in FIG. 3B) configured to operate in IR/thermal ordaylight video view modes.

FIG. 11B illustrates the perspective view cross-section of an examplesight system (shown in FIG. 6E) configured to operate in IR/thermal ordaylight video view modes.

FIG. 11C illustrates the side view cross-section of an example sightsystem (shown in FIG. 6E) configured to operate in IR/thermal ordaylight video view modes.

FIG. 12A illustrates the side view cross-section of an example sightsystem (shown in FIG. 3B) configured to operate in direct-view and/orIR/thermal video view modes.

FIG. 12B illustrates the perspective view cross-section of an examplesight system (shown in FIG. 6E) configured to operate in direct-viewand/or IR/thermal video view modes.

FIG. 12C illustrates the side-view cross-section of an example sightsystem (shown in FIG. 6E) configured to operate in direct-view and/orIR/thermal video view modes.

FIG. 13A illustrates the front perspective view of an example scope orsight system in accordance with certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13B illustrates the back perspective view of an example scope orsight system in accordance with certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14A illustrates the side view of the example scope or sight systemof FIG. 13A in accordance with certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14B illustrates the front view of the example scope or sight systemof FIG. 13A in accordance with certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14C illustrates the back view of the example scope or sight systemof FIG. 13A in accordance with certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14D illustrates the bottom view of the example scope or sightsystem of FIG. 13A in accordance with certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14E illustrates the bottom perspective view of the example scope orsight system of FIG. 13A in accordance with certain aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15A illustrates the side view cross-section of the example scope orsight system of FIG. 13A in accordance with certain aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15B illustrates the side view cross-section of the example scope orsight system of FIG. 13A in accordance with certain aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 16A illustrates the side view cross-section of an example scope orsight system configured to operate in direct-view and/or IR/thermalvideo-view modes.

FIG. 16B illustrates the front perspective view of the example scope orsight system of FIG. 16A in accordance with certain aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 16C illustrates the bottom perspective view of the example scope orsight system of FIG. 16A in accordance with certain aspects of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Introduction

The following description of certain embodiments presents variousdescriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovations describedherein can be embodied in a multitude of different ways, for example, asdefined and covered by the claims. In this description, reference ismade to the drawings where like reference numerals can indicateidentical or functionally similar elements. It will be understood thatelements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.Moreover, it will be understood that certain embodiments can includemore elements than illustrated in a drawing and/or a subset of theelements illustrated in a drawing. Further, some embodiments canincorporate any suitable combination of features from two or moredrawings.

In this description, references to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” orthe like, mean that the particular feature, function, structure orcharacteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment ofthe technique introduced herein. Occurrences of such phrases in thisspecification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Onthe other hand, the embodiments referred to are also not necessarilymutually exclusive.

Several terms are used interchangeably within this description. Each ofthe terms are intended to have their customary ordinarily understoodplain meaning in addition to the meanings described throughout thisapplication.

For example, the terms “scope”, “weapon sight system,” “firearm scope,”and “sight system” can be used interchangeably. In addition to theirplain meanings, the foregoing terms may refer to a device that providesan image of a target scene under one or more lighting conditions.Although the sight system or scope may be referred to as a weapon sightsystem or a firearm scope, it should be understood that aspects of thesystem described herein can be used without a weapon. For example,certain aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented with othersighting systems, such as binoculars.

The terms “far infrared (FIR)”, “long wavelength infrared (LWIR)” and“thermal radiation” can be used interchangeably to refer to the sameinfrared wavelength range. This foregoing infrared wavelength range mayvary, but generally includes wavelengths that can be used to create athermal image. For example, the LWIR may be between 8 to 12 micrometersor 8 to 15 micrometers. In some cases, FIR may include wavelengthsbetween 15-1000 micrometers and may be used to detect explosives.Accordingly an image generated using LWIR may sometimes be referred toas “thermal view” or “thermal video view”.

In some cases, “infrared (IR) wavelength ranges” may be divided intothree ranges termed near-IR, mid-IR, and far-IR wavelength ranges. Insome cases, an IR image or video view may correspond to an image orvideo signal generated by an IR sensor that is sensitive to one or morewavelength ranges. Further, it should be understood that IR wavelengthranges may include additional ranges, such as short-wavelength infraredand long-wavelength infrared. Generally, although not necessarily, theinfrared range of between 8-15 micrometers may be used to generate athermal image.

Certain aspects of a novel weapon sight system or firearm scopedescribed herein may allow the user to select between a direct view, adaylight, or an infrared (IR) video view mode. The firearm scope may bemountable to the firearm via the mount of the firearm. In variousembodiments, the firearm may comprise a rifle, a shotgun, a machine gunor the like. In some cases, a weapon system may be a non-firearm weapon,such as a bow, dart gun, or other projectile-based weapon. In somecases, at least some of the view modes may be simultaneously active. Forexample, the direct view and the IR video view may be simultaneouslyactive. Further, the one or more view-modes may be provided whileproviding a bore-sighted reticle image superimposed on the selectedview. In other words, the firearm barrel's bore axis can be aligned withthe reticle image and the target image or scene observed by the user(shooter) via direct-view or one of the video view modes. In direct viewmode, a user directly sees the light rays emitted or reflected byobjects within a target scene without the assistance of any optical oroptoelectronic elements. In other words, in direct view mode, the useris presented with a target scene that is equivalent to what a user maysee without the scope, but, in some cases, with the addition of areticle image.

In video viewing modes, the light rays, which may include both visibleand infrared rays, emitted or reflected by the objects within a targetscene are captured by an optical system, which may form a first image ofthe target scene on an image sensor (e.g., an optoelectronic sensor).Subsequently, the output of the image sensor may be provided to one ormore displays that generate a second image that is observable by theuser. In daylight video view mode, the first image may be formed on animage sensor using light within the visible spectrum. For example, theimage sensor used in video view mode may be sensitive to light between0.4 to 0.7 micrometers. In some cases, the image sensor may have a widersensitivity range. For example, the image sensor may be capable ofgenerating an image from light with wavelengths between 0.3 to 1.5micrometers, 0.4 to 2.5 micrometers wavelength range, or a range therebetween. This image sensor capable of processing light within thevisible spectrum may be referred to as a visible image sensor. Althoughreferred to as daylight view mode, it should be understood that thedaylight view mode may be used during the day or at night, and maygenerate an image of a target scene based on the amount of visible lightavailable. Accordingly, the daylight view mode may be used during theday and/or at night with or without the use of additional or auxiliaryillumination. Auxiliary illumination may be used to supplement thevisible or IR light and may provide illumination in any of the foregoingvisible light and IR wavelength ranges previously described. Withoutauxiliary illumination, the daylight view may be used with reducedvisibility.

In IR video view mode, the first image is formed on an image sensor witha sensitivity to light wavelengths within the infrared range. Forexample, the image sensor may generate an image based on light withwavelengths between 2.5 to 5 micrometers, 5 to 8 micrometers, 8 to 12micrometers, 8 to 15 micrometers, or any other range within the infraredwavelength range. This image sensor capable of generating an image frominfrared light may be referred to as IR image sensor. The IR video viewmode may be used during night or when little to no illumination in thevisible range (e.g., between 0.4 to 0.7 micrometers) is available.However, the IR video mode is not limited to night, and a thermal imagemay be generated and presented during the day or when visible light isavailable. The IR video view can be used with or without auxiliaryillumination. Auxiliary illumination may provide illumination in thewavelength range 0.7 to 2.5 micrometers, among others. Without auxiliaryilluminations, the IR view may form thermal images of a target byfocusing thermal radiation emitted by the target on a thermal imagesensor that is sensitive to optical radiation with wavelengths withinthe infrared light range (e.g., between 8 and 15 micrometers). In somesuch cases, the IR video view mode may be referred to as a thermal videoview mode.

Advantageously, in certain aspects, the availability of the direct-viewmode in addition to the one or more video view modes enables the firearmscope to be used when a video view mode may not be available (forexample due to technical issues or when batteries are depleted). Thecapability of combining a direct-view mode and a video-view mode into asingle scope is enabled by a direct view display hereafter referred toas DV-display. The use of the DV-display enables multiple view modes,including direct-view, to be combined into the firearm scope using asingle view-path. In other words, in each mode, light may be admitted tothe scope via a single window or aperture, and a user may view a targetscene through a single window or aperture. Further, the DV-display notonly allows switching between direct, daylight video, and IR video viewmodes using a single entrance aperture, but it also enables thepresentation of a bore-sighted reticle image superimposed on all views.Additionally, using the DV-display, symbolic and/or numeric information(e.g., obtained from sensors and/or peripheral devices) can be providedalong with the target and reticle images. Moreover, by combining each ofthe view modes into a single view-path, the size of the firearm scopemay be minimized, and may be equal in size and/or weight, to certainexisting firearm scopes that only support a single view mode.

A DV-display (or a see-through display) can be a display device thatdisplays one or more images to a user without significantly distortingor dimming the direct view image of the scene behind the displaycompared to the image that could be observed in the absence of thedisplay. In other words, the DV-display may be capable of superimposingone or more images generated by other devices (e.g., projector, LCD,etc.) on the direct view image such that the observer's eye cansimultaneously focus on the scene directly behind the display and theplurality of the images provided through the DV-display. As such, theDV-display may be capable of generating composite or combined imageswithin the exit window of a scope by superimposing the direct view andone or more video images received from one or more image sensors. TheDV-display may form color or monochrome composite images from one ormore images generated by other devices (e.g., projector, LCD, etc.)and/or the direct view image. The DV-display may be a retinal ornear-eye display that is transparent in the visible light range (e.g.,has a luminous transmittance of greater than 80% using CIE illuminantD65). In some cases, the DV-display may have aluminous transmittance ofgreater than or equal to about 30% using CIE Illuminant D65 when viewedwithin at least 10 degrees of perpendicular to the direct view display.An example of a DV-display may include a transparent display substratecomprising a slab waveguide with at least one input image port (alsoreferred to as input port) or point of ingress of the waveguide and atleast one output image port. An input image port can be an optical inputlocation of the DV-display where the image can be received from an imageprojector. An output image port can be an optical output location wherethe image can be viewed by an observer.

In some cases, an optical coupler may be used to couple the image outputby the image projector to the input image port. Different types ofDV-display (e.g., reflective, surface relief and holographic) mayexploit different physical mechanisms for receiving and/or projectingimages, and consequently, may employ different configurations for theinput and output image ports. In some cases the DV-display, can be anaugmented reality display.

FIG. 1 presents a block diagram of an example firearm scope 100 or sightsystem in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. Aspreviously described, embodiments described herein are not necessarilymutually exclusive. Thus, embodiments of the scope 100 may include otherembodiments described herein and vice versa. Further, each embodimentsor iterations of the scopes described herein may share one or morefeatures of the other scopes described herein. Moreover, the firearmscope 100 may be used with any type of firearm and may be capable ofpresenting any type data that may be received from a firearm. Forexample, the firearm scope 100 may present weapon status information andor magazine cartridge counts using one or more of the embodimentsdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,557,676, dated Feb. 11, 2020 and titled“FIREARM AMMUNITION AVAILABILITY DETECTION SYSTEM,” which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The thin black arrows and thick gray arrows of FIG. 1 depict electricconnection and optical propagation respectively. In certain aspects, thesight system or scope 100 may include an entrance window 112. Theentrance window 112 may permit light rays from the target scene 115 toenter the sight system or firearm scope 100. Further, the scope 100 mayinclude an exit window 114 that permits a user to view a direct view ofthe target scene 115 and/or an electronically transferred image of thetarget/target scene. The scope 100 may further include one or moreoptical subsystems 120, 124 that facilitate the forming or generating ofinfrared and visible images, respectively by, for example, focusing thelight onto one or more sensors. Further, the scope 100 may includeinfrared image sensor 122, and visible image sensors 126 that arecapable of converting the infrared and visible images generated by theoptical imaging subsystems 120, 124 into video or other types ofelectronic signals. The infrared image sensor 122 may include an IRfocal-plane array or any other type of sensor capable of generating aninfrared or thermal image from infrared light. Further, the visibleimage sensor may include a Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor(CMOS) sensor or any other type of sensor capable of generating auser-visible image from visible light. Advantageously, because thetarget scene may be presented using a video-view, it is possible to usea larger entrance window 112 and/or exit window 114 compared to opticalscopes that use lenses in the viewing path. Further, because lenses maybe omitted from the viewing path, the shape of the entrance and/or exitwindow is not restricted and may include a square, rectangle, or otherconvenient viewing shape.

In addition, the scope 100 may include an electronic processing andcontrol unit (EPCU) 110 that can receive and process the electronicsignals generated by the image sensors 122, 126. The EPCU 110 may alsocontrol one or more of the electronic, optoelectronic, andelectromechanical devices included in the scope. In some cases, the EPCUmay facilitate data and/or control communication between one or more ofthe subsystems of the scope 100.

Further, the scope 100 may include a moveable or pivotable mirror 118 (afirst redirection element) that enables a user to transition the viewbetween a direct view and a video view. The pivotable mirror 118 maypermit visible light to travel between the entrance window 112 and theexit window 114 when in a first position that does not interrupt thetraversal of light within the scope 100. Conversely, the pivotablemirror 118 may redirect visible light received from the entrance window112 towards the visible optical imaging subsystem 124 when in a secondposition. In some implementations, the pivotable mirror can be replacedby any redirection element, moveable or otherwise, that is configured toredirect the light within the visible wavelength range (380 to 740nanometer) towards the visible optical imaging subsystem 124.

In some cases, the pivotable mirror 118 may be replaced by a dichroicmirror or beam splitter that permits light associated with somewavelengths to be transmitted while reflecting or redirecting light ofother wavelengths. In some such cases, the beam splitter may have aluminance transmittance of 50% in the visible range. Other degrees ofluminance transmittance are possible. For example, the beam splitter mayhave a luminance transmittance of between 40% and 60% or between 35% and65%. In yet some other cases, the pivotable mirror 118 may be replacedby a switchable mirror, which can change from transparent totranslucent, or vice versa, when an electric signal is applied. Thus,the switchable mirror can permit the transmission of light associatedwith certain wavelengths when in a first state associated with a firstelectric signal and reflect the light associated with the certainwavelengths when in a second state associated with a second electricsignal. In some cases, the one of the states may be associated with thenon-application of an electrical signal to the switchable.

Moreover, the scope may include a beam deflector 116 (or a secondredirection element), or dichroic mirror/beam splitter, that may allowthe transmission of light within a selected wavelength range (e.g., avisible light range, such as between 0.4 and 2 micrometers), whilere-directing light within a different wavelength range (e.g., aninfrared light range, such as between 5 to 15 micrometers) toward theinfrared imaging subsystem 120, which is capable of focusing theinfrared light into the IR image sensor 122.

Further, the pivotable mirror 118 may redirect the visible light,transmitted through the dichroic beam splitter 116, to a visible imagingsubsystem 124 capable of generating an image on the visible image sensor126. The scope may further include a first image projector 128 capableof generating and projecting a first image on an input image port. Forexample, the image projector 128 can be a video projector 128 thatprojects video images generated by the infrared 122 or visible 126 imagesensors onto an input image port of a Direct-View display (DV-display)130.

In some cases, the scope 100 may further include a second imageprojector (second projector) 132, configured to project a second imageonto an input image port of the DV-display 130. The second imageprojector 132 can be a reticle image generator or a reticle projectorthat projects a bore sighted reticle image onto an input image port ofthe DV-display 130. In some cases, the second projector 132 projects thereticle image onto the same image port as the video projector 128. Inother cases, the second projector 132 projects the reticle image onto adifferent image port than the video projector 128 projects its image. Insome embodiments, the second projector may also project images thatcomprise symbology in addition to or instead of the reticle image.

In some cases, the user may view a combined or composite image 117through the exit window 114. The composite image may be a superpositionof the reticle image projected by the reticle projector 132 (secondprojector) and a target scene or image generated by one or more of theimage sensors 122, 126 and projected by the first projector (videoprojector) 128.

In some cases, the composite image 117 may be a combination of adirect-view image formed from light that enters the entrance window 112and traverses to the exit window 114 without intermediary processing,and the reticle image. Additionally, in some cases, the composite image117 may include symbolic information. This symbolic information may, insome cases, include the reticle image. Further, the symbolic informationmay include additional or auxiliary information or symbols indicative ofadditional data. The EPCU 110 may obtain the auxiliary information fromone or more sensors 119. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sensors 119 maybe included as part of the scope 100. Alternatively, or in addition, oneor more of the sensors 119 may be external to the scope 100. Forexample, one or more of the sensors 119 may be sensors integrated with afirearm or magazine useable with a firearm. Examples of the symbolicinformation may include, a number of cartridges within a magazineinserted into a firearm that includes the scope 100, a number ofcartridges within a set of magazines registered with the firearm,battery life for one or more batteries in the scope 100, battery lifefor one or more batteries in the scope 100 or a magazine, wind speed, adistance from a target, an operating mode of the sight system, etc. Thescope 100 may obtain data from the sensors 119 and/or other peripheraldevices, through a wired or wireless communication channel. The wirelesscommunication channel may be implemented using a Wideband NetworkingWaveform (WNW) or any other type of military communications protocol.Alternatively, or in addition, the wireless communication channel mayuse one or more personal or near-field communication protocols,including, but not limited to Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, and the like. In somecases, the communication between sensors 119 and/or peripheral devices,and the scope 100 may include direct contact electrical links, contactor non-contact optical links, and the like. The scope 100 may furtherinclude one or more user interfaces 134, which may enable the user tocontrol and adjust various functions and parameters of the sight system(directly or via EPCU 110). For example, the user interface 134 may beused to activate/deactivate particular modes of the scope 100, to adjustor modify a configuration of the reticle image, to select particularsymbology to display, and the like. The user interfaces 134 may beintegrated with the sight system 100 or be individual modules (e.g.,mounted on the weapon) that may communicate with EPCU 110 through wired,wireless or optical links. The user may use the user interface tocontrol the one or more images presented by the DV-display 130 via thesecond (exit) window 114 by enabling or disabling the first or thesecond projector.

In some cases, the scope 100 may further include a third projector,which may be a low power projector that generates an image and projectsit onto an input image port of the DV-display 130. In some cases, thethird projector projects the image onto the same image port as the videoprojector 128. In other cases, the third projector projects the imageonto a different image port than the video projector 128 projects itsimage.

Example Scope

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an example firearm scope orsight system 200 in accordance with certain aspects of the presentdisclosure. The firearm scope 200 can include one or more of the aspectsdescribed with respect to the firearm scope 100.

The firearm scope 200 includes a housing 205 that may include two facespositioned at the two ends of the housing. One aperture may be providedon each face such that the scene 115 behind a first aperture on thefirst face can be directly seen by a user 113 looking through a secondaperture provided on the second face. A first window 112 may be locatedin the first aperture provided on a first face of the scope 200 (alsoillustrated in FIG. 2C) and a second window 114 may be located in thesecond aperture provided on a second face of the scope 200 that isopposite to the first face (also illustrated in FIG. 2B). The firstwindow 112 can be an entrance window that permits the entry of light.The light that enters the entrance window 112, may directly propagatetoward the exit window 114 and/or be used to generate one or more videoimages that may be displayed using the DV-display 130. The second window114 can be an exit window that permits a user to directly view the scene115 behind the first window 112 and/or one or more images providedthrough the DV-display 130.

The entrance window 112 may be formed from a material that istransparent (e.g., transmits at least 60% of the incident light) withina wavelength range spanning the visible light spectral range (e.g.,0.4-0.8 micrometers), near infrared light spectral range (e.g., 0.8-2.5micrometers), mid infrared light spectral range (e.g., 2.5-8micrometers), and long infrared light spectral range (e.g., 8-15micrometers). In some cases, the material may also be transparent to thefar infrared light spectral range (e.g., 15-100 micrometers). As anon-limiting example, the entrance window 112 can be formed from zincsulfide. However, the entrance window 112 may be formed from other atleast partially transparent materials. FIG. 2D shows the measuredtransmittance (a ratio between incident and transmitted opticalintensities) through an example entrance window using zinc sulfide,plotted against the wavelength of the incident light. Additionally, insome implementations, the exit and/or entrance windows 114, 112,respectively. can include antireflection (AR) coatings (on one or bothsides) to reduce reflection of visible and/or infrared wavelengths.

The exit window 114 may be formed from a material that is transparent atleast for visible light. For example, the exit window 114 may be formedfrom a material having a luminous transmittance of greater than 80%using CIE illuminant D65. Some examples of materials that may be usedfor the exit window 114 include fused silica and other types of opticalglasses, Plexiglass®, acrylic, plastic, or other materials that aretransparent in the visible wavelength range. In some examples, the exitwindow 114 may be formed from a material that is transparent (e.g.,transmits at least 60% of the incident light) within a wavelength rangespanning the visible light spectral range (e.g., 0.4-0.8 micrometers),near infrared light spectral range (e.g., 0.8-2.5 micrometers), midinfrared light spectral range (e.g., 2.5-8 micrometers), and longinfrared light spectral range (e.g., 8-15 micrometers). In someimplementations, the exit window 114 can be tilted with respect to theentrance window 112 to prevent multiple collinear reflections betweenthe two windows (112 and 114), between the exit window 114 and theDV-display 130, and/or between the entrance window 112 and theDV-display 130. The entrance window 112 and exit window 114 can bothhave different shapes (for example, circular or rectangular) and/ordifferent thicknesses (for example between 2-5 mm). The entrance window112 and exit window 114 can have the same or different shapes from eachother. In some implementations, the entrance and exit windows 112, 114may be configured differently or the same. Further, in some cases, theentrance window 112 may include one or more of the aspects describedwith respect to the exist window 114, and vice versa.

The housing structure 205 may be formed using metal, plastic,composites, a combination of the aforementioned materials, or othermaterials that may be both durable and light-weight for militaryapplications and/or sport applications.

One or more interfaces may be provided on the housing 205, permit theuser to electronically or mechanically adjust one or more features ofthe firearm scope 200. For example, the user interface controls 134 mayenable the user to adjust a visible intensity of a reticle image and/orthe reticle's position with respect to the exit window 114, switchbetween supported sight modes (for example, direct view, daylight videoview, IR or thermal video view, and the like), adjust an amount ofdigital or electronic zoom, and the like. A user interface 134 mayinclude buttons, or knobs attached to the housing and/or the electroniccompartment. Alternatively, or in addition, a user interface 134 mayinclude a touchscreen and/or haptic interface. In some implementations,the user interface 134 may be provided as a separate system that isremote from the firearm scope 200. For example, the firearm scope 200may be controllable from a user interface that is part of a weaponcapable of supporting the firearm scope 200. This remote user interfacemay communicate with the EPCU 110 through electric wires, a wirelesslink (e.g., Bluetooth), an optical link, or any other type ofcommunication interface capable of providing commands from a remote userinterface to the scope 200. In other implementations, the user interface134 may be provided as a separate system mounted on a weapon rail of aweapon. In some such cases, in addition to wired, wireless and opticallinks, the user interface may communicate with the EPCU using a microrail communication module, which may enable digital communication overpower lines that may be integrated with the rail.

The housing 205 can include a rail mount 202 that allows the firearmscope 200 to be permanently or removably mounted to a mount of a weapon,for example, a receiving or mounting rail of a firearm, weapon system,or other device that may exploit the functionalities provided by thefirearm scope 200. In some examples, the mount may comprise a Picatinnyrail or a Weaver rail. The firearm scope 200 may be attached to afirearm or weapon using any type of attachment mechanism that enablesthe firearm scope 200 to be securely affixed to the weapon. For example,the firearm scope 200 may have a thumbscrew 204 that can be used tomanually tighten and loosen the rail mount 202 to or from a receivingrail on a weapon. As another example, the firearm scope 200 can beattached using a snap-in mechanism, hooks, screws, bolts, and the like.

In some implementations, the housing 205 can include one or moremounting rails 206, which may be integrated with or otherwise attachedto the housing 205 for mounting, powering, and/or connecting add-onmodules to the firearm scope 200. In some cases, the add-on modules mayalso be bore-sighted. These add-on modules may include, for example, anultraviolet imager, an infrared illuminator, a laser pointer, or thelike. The mounting rails 206 and/or the rail mount 202 can be configuredto be compatible with Picatinny rails, Weaver rails, or the like.

In some cases, the rail mount 202 and/or the integrated rail mounts 206can be configured to provide and/or receive power to/from the firearmand/or the add-on modules. The power can be provided or received throughinductive coupling or a direct electrical connection. The mounting rail106 and/or the rail mount 102 may be also configured to exchange databetween the firearm scope 200, the add-on modules, and/or the firearm(or other device) to which the firearm scope 200 is attached. Further,the data can be exchanged through non-contact optical, contact optical,direct contact electrical links, capacitive data transfer, or inductivedata transfer.

The firearm scope 200 can include one or more power sources situatedwithin or outside of the housing 205. For example, the housing 205 caninclude one or more separate batteries to provide power to the reticleprojector and/or the electronic processing and control module (EPCU)110. In some cases, the one or more batteries that power elements of thefirearm scope 200 may be within the same compartment as the EPCU 110and/or other electronics within the firearm scope 200 (e.g., the imagesensors 122, 126). In other cases, one or more batteries may be housedin separate detachable compartments attached to the firearm scope 200.In yet some other cases, a power source can be positioned in a separatelocation from the firearm scope 200 and can be connected to theelectronics of the firearm scope through electrically conductive lines.For example, one power source may be located within a handle of afirearm or weapon system and may be electrically connected or coupled tothe firearm scope 200 (for example, via a mounting rail).

In certain aspects, the firearm scope 200 may be divided into multiplecompartments. For example, the housing 205 may have three compartments:an optical compartment 208, an electronics compartment 210, and abattery compartment 211. It should be understood that more or fewercompartments may exist. For example, the components included in theelectronic compartment 210 and the optical compartment 208 may becombined into a single compartment. As another example, the batterycompartment 211 may be separated into two compartments, each having aseparate battery. For instance, one battery compartment may have abattery (or set of batteries) to power the EPCU 110, and anothercompartment may have a battery (or set of batteries) to power thereticle projector 132.

The electronic compartment 210 can house the EPCU 110. The EPCU 110 mayinclude electronic circuits that control and monitor an image sensor, apivotable mirror, one or more the power sources, or other sensors 119(e.g., inertial sensor, altimeter, wind sensor, light sensor etc.) andadd-on devices (e.g., laser range finder, infrared illuminator) that maybe included with or attached to the scope 200. Additionally theelectronic compartment can include image acquisition and processingcircuitry, and data acquisition (e.g., from sensors) and processingcircuitry that may provide information pertaining the weapon or theenvironmental condition that may be used by the shooter during targetacquisition and effective employment of the weapon.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a perspective cross sectional view and a sideview of the optical compartment 208 of the example firearm scope 200.The components within the optical compartment 208 may be arranged and/orconfigured to enable direct view and/or video view, while providing abore-sighted reticle image and/or symbolic information as a singlecomposite image. The optical compartment 208 may include an entrancewindow 112 and an exit window 114 placed in the apertures provided onthe first and second faces of the optical compartment respectively.Light may enter the scope through the entrance window 112 and the directview or the video images may be viewed by the user through the exitwindow 114. The optical compartment 208 may further include a beamsplitter 116, a pivotable mirror 118, an IR imaging subsystem 120, avisible imaging subsystem 124, an IR image sensor 122, and a visiblewavelength image sensor 126. The beam splitter 116 may redirect aportion of incident IR light toward an IR imaging sub-system 120 whileallowing transmission of a portion of incident visible light toward thepivotable mirror 118. The pivotable mirror 118 may redirect the incidentvisible light toward the visible imaging subsystem 124. The IR imagingsubsystem 120 forms an IR image on the IR image sensor 122 that convertsit to an electronic signal. The visible imaging subsystem 124 forms avisible image on the visible image sensor 126 that converts it to anelectronic signal. Further, the optical compartment 208 may include avideo projector 128 (that generates visible video images using theelectronic signals received from the IR image sensor 122 or the visibleimage sensor 124), a reticle projector 132 that may generate an image ofa reticle and a DV-display 130 that may generate a combined (composite)image by superimposing the images received from various projectors onboard (e.g., reticle projector 132 and video projector 128) and theimage seen directly through the optical path extended from the entrancewindow 112 to the exit window 114. The DV-display 130 may project theimage of the reticle into the same plane as the video image, which maybe associated with an electronic signal received from the IR imagesensor 122 or the visible image sensor 124. Advantageously, byprojecting the reticle image into the same plane as the video image(e.g., the visible light video image and/or the IR image), thepositioning of the reticle may remain unchanged when the user views theimages at different angles with respect to the video images. Further, asthe video image and the reticle image are projected in the same plane,the perceived relative position of the images to each other remainsconstant regardless of the position of the user's eye; as a result alarger entrance and/or exit window may be used compared to traditionalscopes and/or scopes that use optics within the viewing axis.

The beam splitter 116 may be a dichroic beam splitter or a wavelengthselective reflector (or mirror) that allows a portion of opticalintensity within a first wavelength range (e.g., in the visible region)to be transmitted while reflecting a portion of optical intensity withina second wavelength range (e.g., in the IR region). For example, thedichroic beam splitter may transmit more than 90% of the opticalintensity having a wavelength between 0.4 micrometers and 0.9micrometers and reflect more than 90% of the optical intensity having awavelength between 8 micrometers and 15 micrometers. The beam splitter116 may be positioned between the first window 112 and the pivotablemirror 118. Further, the beam splitter 116 may be positioned above theIR imaging sub-system 120. It should be understood that the describedrelative positioning of the elements described herein is exemplary, andthat other positions are possible. For example, the beam splitter 116may be positioned below the IR imaging sub-system 120 and the beamsplitter 116 may reflect infrared light up towards the IR imagingsub-system 120.

The dichroic beam splitter 116 may be tilted with respect to the frontwindow 112 in order to reflect the incoming light beam toward the IRimaging sub-system 120. For example, the angle between the first window112 and the beam splitter 116 can be 45 degrees or 60 degrees. The beamsplitter 116 may be formed from a piece of material that may transmit,for example, 90% of the optical intensity within a selected wavelengthrange (e.g., between 0.4 micrometers and 0.9 micrometers) with one ormore dielectric layers coated on the side of the beam splitter 116facing the entrance window 112. The coated layer may reflect more than90% of the optical intensity within the long wavelength IR (LWIR) range(e.g., 8-15 micrometers).

The pivotable mirror 118 may be positioned between the beam splitter 116and the DV-display 130. The state of the pivotable mirror can beswitched between “ON” and “OFF” states, or between a video-view stateand a direct-view state. In the OFF or direct-view state, the pivotablemirror 118 may be positioned to not block the optical path between thebeam splitter 116 and the DV-Display 130. In cases when the pivotablemirror 118 is in the OFF state, the user can directly see a scene behindthe entrance window 112 (e.g., the target). In the ON state, thepivotable mirror 118 may be positioned to reflect the light raysemerging from the beam splitter 116 toward the en trance aperture of thevisible imaging subsystem 124 enabling a visible light video view. Inother words, the reflection of the light towards the visible imagingsubsystem 124 enables a video digital image of the target scene 115 tobe generated for presentation to a user on the DV-display 130. The stateof the pivotable mirror 118 can be electronically or mechanicallycontrolled by the user. The pivotable mirror 118 can be a metallic ordielectric mirror that reflects, for example, more than 95% or theoptical intensity in the visible range (e.g., between 0.4 and 0.9micrometers). As another example, the pivotable mirror can be a silvercoated mirror which reflects more than 89% of optical intensity between0.4 micrometers and 10 micrometers. The pivotable mirror 118 can be apivotable mirror that in the OFF state can be pivoted up, or out of anincident path of the visible light, or in the ON state can be pivoteddown, or into the incident path of the visible light, by mechanicalrotation or movement, which may be controlled mechanically orelectrically. Alternatively, the state of the pivotable mirror 118 canbe switched using a step motor (or other electromechanical actuators)controlled by the user via the user interface 134 and/or EPCU 110. Insome cases, the pivotable mirror 118 can be an electrochromic mirrormounted at a particular position and/or a particular angle (e.g., 45degrees or 60 degrees) with respect to the optical axis of the visibleimaging subsystem 124. The state of the electrochromic minor can beswitched by the user by means of electronic signals sent from the EPCU110 to the electrochromic mirror. In the ON state, the electrochromicmirror 118 may reflect more than 90% of the optical intensity having awavelength within the visible range (e.g., 0.4-0.9 micrometers). In theOFF state, the electrochromic mirror 118 may transmit more than 90% ofoptical intensity having a wavelength within the visible range (e.g.,0.4-0.9 micrometers).

The infrared imaging subsystem 120 may be positioned below the dichroicbeam splitter 116 and in front of the infrared image sensor 122. Aspreviously described, the relative position of elements as describedherein is exemplary, and other positions are possible. Thus, forexample, in some other cases the infrared imaging subsystem 120 may bepositioned above the dichroic beam splitter 116. The infrared imagingsubsystem 120 may function as an infrared telescope. Further, the exitaperture of the imaging subsystem 120 may be rotated with respect to theentrance aperture. For example, the exit aperture may be 90 degreesrotated with respect to the entrance aperture. The infrared imagingsubsystem 120 may generate a thermal image of objects placed atdistances much larger than the focal length of the system. A thermalimage may include an image that illustrates and/or is formed based on anamount of heat that one or more objects generate or emit. For example,the heat of a human or animal may be distinguished from the heat emittedby a brick or wooden wall.

The infrared imaging subsystem 120 may comprise a first lens (objectivelens) 344, an IR mirror 348 and a second lens (eyepiece) 352. In somenon-limiting implementations, the optical axis 345 of the first lens 344is rotated with respect to the optical axis 347 of the second lens 352(e.g., the rotation angle can be 30, 45, 60 or 90 degrees). The focallength of the first lens 344 may differ (for example, be larger) thanthe focal length of the second lens 352. Further, the infrared mirror348 can be placed at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees or 60 degrees) withrespect to the optical axis 345 of the first lens 344 in order todeflect the light rays emerging from first lens 344 by 90 degrees.

In some implementations, the first and second lenses can be formed froma piece of material coated with one or more dielectric layers thattransmit more than 80% of the incident optical intensity having awavelength between 8 and 15 micrometers. For example, the first andsecond lenses may be formed from a piece of germanium coated with one ormore dielectric layers such that the lens transmits more than 84% of theincident optical intensity having a wavelength in the LWIR range (e.g.,between 8 and 15 micrometers). The coated dielectric layers may form abroadband antireflection (BBAR) layer. The IR mirror 348 can be made ofsemiconductor, dielectric or metallic materials. In some cases where theIR mirror 348 is made from a semiconductor or dielectric material, thereflecting surface of the IR mirror 348 that faces the first lens 344and second lens 352 may be coated with a layer that reflects, forexample, more than 95% of the incident optical intensity having awavelength in the LWIR range (e.g., between 8 and 12 micrometers). Asanother example, the IR mirror 348 may be a metallic mirror comprising agold layer disposed on an aluminum substrate (e.g., aluminum 6061-T6),which reflects more than 98% of the incident optical intensity having awavelength between 2 and 12 micrometers.

The IR image sensor 122 may be positioned at the exit aperture of theinfrared imaging system 120. The IR image sensor 122 may convert theoptical intensity variations in the IR wavelength range (e.g.,wavelength in the 1-15 micrometers range) to a video signal or othertype of electronic signal (e.g., digital). Further, the IR image sensor122 can generate an image, or electronic data that can be converted intoan image and may be projected by the video projector 128. In some cases,the EPCU 110 may process data received from the IR image sensor 122 togenerate or refine an image. The image generated by the image sensor 122or the EPCU 110 may appear equal in size to a user as a target scene 115directly viewed by a user (e.g., using a direct-view mode or withoutusing a scope). Alternatively, the image generated by the image sensor122 may be zoomed in or out compared to directly viewing the targetscene 115.

In some implementations, the IR image sensor 122 may be, or may include,a focal-plane array (FPA). For example, the IR image sensor 122 can be afocal-plane array (EPA) of 640 by 480 pixels where the size of eachpixel may vary between 10 and 20 micrometers. The FPA can be sensitiveto infrared radiation with wavelengths between 2 micrometers and 6micrometers, between 6 and 8 micrometers, or between 2 and 15micrometers. The FPA may also be a thermal image sensor that issensitive to LWIR or thermal radiation having a wavelength between 8micrometers and 15 micrometers. The IR image sensor 122 can beconfigured to generate the same bore sighted image as the direct viewchannel. The IR image sensor 122 can be a cooled or uncooled imagesensor. Cooling the image sensor may reduce the electronic noise in thesensor. If cooled, the IR image sensor 122 may be placed on a coolingdevice (e.g., thermo-electric cooler, TEC) that may be provided tomaintain its temperature below a selected value (e.g, −10, −20, or −40or −80 degrees centigrade).

In some aspects, the IR image 122 sensor can be a zoom-capable imager.In some cases, the user can adjust the magnification settings of the IRimage sensor 122 using one or more user interfaces. In some cases, thecombination of the infrared image sensor 122 with the infrared imaging,subsystem 120 can provide an effective field of view of between 2degrees and 18 degrees depending on the selected magnitude of thedigital zoom. For example, in a case without magnification when thevideo image is the same size as the direct view image, the field of viewcan be 18 degrees. In contrast, when the magnification is set to 8×, thefield of view may be reduced to 2 degrees. For any given magnification,the effective field of view may exceed 18 degrees (e.g., the effectivefield of view nay be 30, 60, 90 degrees)

The IR image sensor 122 can be made of a semiconductor material. Forexample, the IR image sensor 122 can be made of mercury cadmiumtellurite (HgCdTe) or an antimonide based material (e.g., InAs, GaSb,AlSb). The semiconductor material can be a superlattice made of one ormore of the aforementioned materials. Alternatively, the IR image sensor122 can also be formed from an array of microbolometers.

The visible imaging subsystem 124 may include one or more of the aspectsdescribed with respect to the infrared imaging subsystem 120. Further,the visible image sensor 126 may include one or more of the aspectsdescribed with respect to the infrared image sensor 122.

The visible imaging subsystem 124 may be positioned below the pivotablemirror 118 and above the visible image sensor 126. As previouslydescribed, the relative position of elements as described herein isexemplary, and other positions are possible. Thus, for example, in someother cases, the visible imaging subsystem 124 may be positioned abovethe pivotable mirror 118 and below the visible image sensor 126. Thevisible imaging subsystem 124 may generate a real or visible light imageof one or more objects viewed via entrance window 112. These objects maybe placed at distances much larger than the focal length of the imagingsubsystem 124. The visible light subsystem 124 may operate within thevisible wavelength range (e.g., 380-740 nanometers) or an extendedwavelength range that includes the near IR region (e.g., 0.4-2.5micrometers).

The visible image sensor 126 may be positioned at the image plane of thevisible imaging subsystem 124. The visible image sensor 124 may convertthe spatial variations of optical intensity in the visible wavelengthrange or visible and near IR wavelength ranges, to a video signal ordigital data. The image sensor may be placed below the visible imagingsubsystem 124 at its focal length (image plane). For example the visibleimage sensor 126 can be a focal-plane array (FPA) with 3848 by 2168pixels where the size of each pixel size may vary between 2 and 4micrometers. The peak sensitivity of the visible image sensor 126 may belocated in the visible wavelength range, for example, between 0.4micrometers to 0.7 micrometers. The visible image sensor 126 can beconfigured to generate the same image that is viewable via the directview channel. Alternatively, or in addition, the visible image sensor126 may formed a zoomed in or out image of what may be viewable via thedirect view channel. The displayed image may be a bore-sighted image.

The visible image sensor 126 can be any type of sensor that can generatean image based on visible light. For example, the visible image sensor126 may be a charge coupled display (CCD) sensor or a CMOS sensor.Further, the visible image sensor 126 can be a zoom-capable imagercapable of generating a zoomed image that can be smaller or largercompared to the direct-view image. The amount of magnification can beadjusted by the user through one or more user interfaces. Further, thevisible image sensor 126 can be combined with the imaging subsystem 124.The combined visible image sensor 126 and imaging subsystem 124 can havean effective field of view of between 2 degrees and 18 degrees. Thegenerated image of the visible image sensor 126 can be converted to anelectronic signal that is based in part on the magnitude of the selecteddigital zoom. For example, when no magnification is selected, the videoimage may be the same size as the direct view image, or the view of thetarget scene 115 through the direct-view channel, or without the scope200. In some such cases, the field of view can be 18 degrees. Incontrast, when a magnification of 8× is selected, the field of view maybe reduced to 2 degrees. For any given magnification, the effectivefield of view may exceed 18 degrees (e.g., the effective field of viewmay be 30, 60, 90 degrees)

The electronic signals generated by the visible image sensor 126 or theIR image sensor 122 may be received, amplified, and processed by theEPCU 110 to generate a video signal. This video signal may be providedto a projector 128 that generates or projects an image on the DV display130. The projected image may be based on the image projected on thevisible image sensor 126 by the visible imaging subsystem 124 and/or onthe image projected on the IR image sensor 122 by the IR imagingsubsystem 120. The image generated by the projector 128 may be output byan exit aperture of the projector 128. The video projector 128 can be anLCD or LED based monochrome or color microdisplay. The video projector128 can be configured to project imagery, symbology, and/or other typesof visual data received from EPCU 110. The video projector 128 may bepositioned such that it can provide an image corresponding to the imagereceived by one of the image sensors 122, 126 to the DV-display 130.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an example DV-display 130(also referred to as holographic display or waveguide display). TheDV-display 130 may be used to simultaneously observe a scene 115 (e.g.,a target scene) behind the DV-display 130 (or external to the scope 200)and a video image received from the projector 128 as a composite image460. For example, the DV-display 130 may be configured to project animage received from the projector 128 on the same image plane where thescene is imaged such that an observer 113 (a user of the firearm scope200) can simultaneously focus on both parts of the composite image 460(the scene image and the projected image). In some cases, bysimultaneously viewing the scene 115 and a video image, an augmentedreality image may be formed. In the example shown the composite image460 may be an augmented reality image.

Alternatively, or in addition, the DV-display 130 may be used to observethe video image projected from the projector 128 without directlyviewing the scene 115. In yet other cases, an observer may view thescene 115 through the DV-display 130 without viewing a video image, orwhile viewing a reticle image, but not a video-image of a scene.

The DV-display 130 may be positioned inside the scope housing 205 (orinside the optical compartment 208 of the housing 205) such that itsoutput image port 458 faces the exit window 114 and its input port 456faces the exit aperture of the projector 128. The DV-display 130 mayreceive an image from the video projector 128 through its input imageport 456 and may output a corresponding image through its output imageport 458 that may be seen by the observer 113 through the exit window114. Simultaneously, if light rays entering the scope 200 via theentrance window 112 are incident to the DV-display 130, the observer 113may also see an image of the outside world (scene 115) or a direct viewimage. As such, the DV-display 130 can superimpose the video imagereceived from the projector 128 with the direct view image receivedthrough the entrance window 112 to form an augmented reality display.

The DV-display 130 can be a waveguide display. The waveguide display canbe a transparent display substrate comprising a waveguide 454 such as aslab waveguide 454 formed from a piece of material that is transparentin at least the visible wavelength range (e.g., having a luminoustransmittance of greater than 80% using CIE illuminant D65) and iscapable of transporting the image received from one or more input imageports 456 to the output image port 458. In some examples, the waveguide454 can be a holographic waveguide or any other type of waveguide thatcan be used to facilitate displaying a video image to an observer whilepermitting the observer to see through the waveguide when the scopeoperates in a direct-view mode or a combined direct-view and videoand/or thermal view mode.

The image may be transmitted from the input image port(s) 456 to one ormore output image ports 458 by means of total internal reflection (TIR).The input image port 456 may be disposed at or near one edge (e.g., abottom edge) of the waveguide 454 and the output image port 458 may bedisposed at or near a different edge (e.g., a top edge) of the waveguide454. The input image port 456 may be configured to receive an image(e.g., from a display or projecting device) and transform it into guidedwaves (or a bundle of optical rays propagating inside the waveguide)that can travel inside the slab waveguide 454. The output image port 458may be configured to transform the guided waves (or a bundle of opticalrays) into an output image 460 that can be observed while looking at thescene behind the slab.

In some implementations, the DV-display 130 can have a first input imageport 456 and a second input image port 462 disposed on the same oropposite faces of the waveguide 454 near a particular edge (FIG. 4B).Although not limited as such, the input and output ports of thewaveguide 454 may be positioned near an edge so that the variouselectronics and non-transparent components of the scope 200 are notpositioned within the direct-view channel preventing the components ofthe scope 200 from blocking a user's direct-view of a target scene 115.Further, the first input image port 456 and the second input image port462 can be a first optical input location and a second optical inputlocation of the waveguide display (DV-display) configured to receive twoseparate images from two distinct projecting devices. The two separateimages received from the first input image port 456 and the second inputimage port 462 may be guided by the waveguide 454 and generate acomposite image through the output image port 458 of the waveguide 454.The composite image may be superimposed on the direct-view image seenthrough the transparent waveguide 454. The waveguide 454 may beconfigured to project the image received at the first image input port456 and the image received at the second input port 462 into the sameimage plane so that an eye of the observer 113 (e.g., a user of thefirearm scope) can simultaneously focus on different parts of thecomposite image. Advantageously, by projecting both images into the sameplane the positioning of the two images remain unchanged when the userviews the images at different angles with respect to the video images.

In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the first input image port 456 and asecond input image port 462 may be disposed on the opposite faces of thewaveguide 454. The first image 461 is received from the first projector128 and the second image 466 is received from the second projector 132.These images 461, 466 may be superimposed on the direct view image 465of the scene behind the DV-display 430 resulting in a composite image.In the example scope 200 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, this composite imagecan be viewed through the exit window 114. As a non-limiting example,the second projector 132 can be a reticle projector 132 and the secondimage 466 can be the image of a reticle generated by the reticleprojector 132. The reticle image 466 generated through the output imageport 458 of the DV-display 130 can be parallax free within the field ofview of the sight system. In some implementations, the reticle projector132 can be configured to project alternative or additional symbologycorresponding to data generated or received by the scope 200. Forexample, the reticle projector 132 can project a magazine cartridgecount associated with a number of cartridges within a magazine insertedinto a weapon. In yet other cases, a separate projector may be used toproject symbology that is separate from the reticle projector 132. Asdescribed above, the reticle image 466 and the first image 461 (e.g., avideo image generated using an electronic signal received from the IRimage sensor 120 or the visible image sensors 126), may be projected onthe same image plane. Advantageously, when the first image 461 and thereticle image 466 are projected in the same plane, the perceivedrelative position of the reticle image 466 and the first image 461 toeach other remains constant regardless of the position of the user'seye; as a result a larger entrance and/or exit window may be usedcompared to traditional scopes and/or scopes that use optics within theviewing axis.

In some cases, coupling optics (e.g., an optical beam combiner) may beused to combine multiple images received from different image sources orprojectors to form a composite image. The composite image may then besupplied to one of the input ports 456 or 462 of the DV-display 130.

For example, the coupling optics may combine a first image output by thefirst image projector 128 and a second image output by the secondprojector 132, to obtain a third image comprising the second imagesuperimposed on the first image. Subsequently, the coupling optics mayproject the third image onto the first image port 456 or the secondimage port 462 so that the user can observe the third image via theoutput image port 458.

In some examples, a beam combiner may be used to combine images receivedfrom multiple sources. The multiple sources may include multipleprojectors or a projector and light receiving from an input window. FIG.4C illustrates a DV-display 130 with a single image input port 456configured to receive a composite image from a beam combiner 466. Thebeam combiner may include any type of lens, dichroic mirror, or otherdevice that can combine beams or rays of light. The beam combiner 466can receive a first image from a first projector 128 (e.g., a videoprojector) and a second image from a second projector 132 (e.g., areticle projector, a thermal image projector, or a second videoprojector) and outputs a composite image comprising a superposition ofthe first and the second images. In the example shown, a bundle of rays468 a, illustrated by the solid line arrows, represent the first imagereceived from the first projector 128 (e.g., an image generated using avideo signal received from the visible image sensor 126 or the IR imagesensor 122), and the ray 468 b, illustrated by the dotted line arrow,represents the second image received from the second projector 132. Thebeam combiner 466 (a beam splitting cube in this case), may beconfigured to allow the bundle of rays 468 a to pass without refractionand reflect (or redirect) the ray 468 b, received from a directionperpendicular to the direction of propagation of the bundle of rays 468a, such that all rays are normally incident on the input image port 456.It should be understood that the rays may be received at differentangles than illustrated with the beam combiner 466 being positioned atan angle that enables the beams from the two sources to be combined.Once coupled to the waveguide 454, the rays 468 a and 468 b propagatetowards the image output port and are coupled out as a single bundle ofrays 468 c (representing the composite image formed by combining thefirst and the second image). The beam combiner 466 can be a beamsplitter cube (the example shown) comprising two right-angle prismsglued together along their major surfaces. When used in reverse the beamsplitter cube may function as a beam combiner. In some examples, thebeam combiner 466 can be a holographic beam combiner or other type ofoptical beam combiner. Further, it should be understood that more thantwo sources can be combined by the beam combiner. For example, a visiblelight video image, a thermal image, and a reticle image can be combinedwith the beam combiner 466. In some cases, multiple beam combiners maybe used. For example, the visible light video image may be combined witha thermal or LWIR image using a first beam combiner. The resultant imagemay be combined with a reticle image using a second beam combiner. Theresultant image from the second beam combiner may be provided to thewaveguide 454 via the input port 456 and presented to the user via theoutput port 458.

Advantageously, using a single DV-display with a beam combiner mayreduce the overall size of the display system while supportingdisplaying composite images. For example, using a single port DV-displayand a beam combiner in firearm scope 200 or 1300, may allow positioningboth projectors (e.g., the video projector 128 and the reticle projector132), on the same side (e.g., the right side (FIG. 12A) or on the leftside (FIG. 15A)) of the DV-display 130. In some cases, positioning bothprojectors on the same side enables the DV-display 130 to be positionedcloser to the rear side of the housing (near the exit window 114)compared to embodiments that position a projector on each side of theDV-display 130. In some embodiments, the space freed up by positioningboth projectors on one side of the display may be used to place some ofthe electronic components or systems. In some other embodiments, movingboth projectors on one side of the DV-display 130 may allow positioningthe DV-display closer to rear end of the firearm scope 200 or 1300 andcloser the exit window 114; such configuration may facilitate viewingimages projected via the DV-display 130 while reducing the overall sizeof the housing and therefore the firearm scope 200 or 1300.

In some embodiment, a third video projector may generate a third imageand couple the third image to the waveguide 454 through the first orsecond input image port (e.g., image input port 456 or 462). In someother embodiments, the slab waveguide 454 may have a third input imageport to receive the third image projected by the third camera. In yetother embodiments, the image generated by the third video projector maybe combined with the image generated by the first or the secondprojector using a beam combiner and may be coupled to the waveguide 454via the first or the second input image port. In various embodiments,multiple beam combiners may be used to generate composite images basedon images received from multiple projectors and couple the compositeimages via one or more ports of the DV-display.

In some examples, the third projector may be a low power projector thatalso receives video signals from the IR image sensor 122 and/or thevisible image sensor 126. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, thepower consumption of the scope can be reduced by using the thirdprojector in video-view mode. In some cases, the low power projector canbe a projector with lower resolution, lower brightness, or support anarrower range of colors.

The images emerging from the DV-display 130 (e.g., images received fromthe visible image sensor, the IR image sensor, and/or the reticleprojector) can be collimated so that the user's eye can simultaneouslyfocus on the superimposed images or the composite image. Moreover, eachof the images constituting the composite image can be bore-sighted.

The input image port(s) 456, 462 and the output image port 458 of thewaveguide 454 may comprise one or more diffraction gratings (e.g.,surface grating or holographic gratings) disposed on an optical inputlocation or on an optical output location of the waveguide 454. Thediffraction gratings may include periodic structures that are disposedalong one of the faces of the slab waveguide 454 and are capable ofconverting an image to a guided wave and vice versa. In some otherimplementations, the input image ports 456, 462 and the output imageports 458 may include transreflective micro-mirrors or transparentmirrors embedded inside the waveguide 454. The diffraction gratings canbe etched or optically generated on or below the surface of thewaveguide 454. The entrance or exit gratings may comprise multiplediffraction gratings. The diffraction gratings may be disposed usingdirect writing (e.g., using a focused ion beam device) or lithographythat uses patterned photoresist and etching. In the lithographicapproach, the photoresist may be pattered using a photomask, e-beam, orholography. In some such cases, where the gratings are generated usingholographic methods) the resulting DV-display 130 may be referred to asholographic waveguide display.

The diffraction gratings in the input image port may be configured todiffract light projected by a projector into a point of ingress of thewaveguide (e.g., a holographic waveguide), such that the resultingdiffracted light propagates inside the waveguide 454 and is guided bythe waveguide 454. The diffraction gratings in the output image port maybe configured to diffract guide light inside the waveguide, such thatthe resulting diffracted light is coupled out of the waveguide andpropagate, in free space, toward the exit window 114.

In some embodiments, the DV-display may include a stack of waveguides(or waveguide layers) that may receive one or more images from one ormore input image ports. Each waveguide may have an input image portcomprising one or more diffraction gratings (e.g., one or more surfacerelief gratings or holographic gratings), configured to couple a portionof an image received from an image projector (e.g., first projector 128or the second projector 132) to the waveguide layer. In some cases, theportion of image can be a portion generated by light having a wavelengthwithin a specific wavelength range associated with the waveguide layer.For example, each waveguide layer in the stack of waveguides may beconfigured to receive and transport light within a specific wavelengthrange associated with a color (e.g., blue layer for blue light havingwavelength between 0.400 and 0.520 micrometers, green layer for greenlight having wavelength between 0.520 and 0.520 micrometers, and redlayer for red light having wavelength between 0.625 and 740micrometers). In some examples, different portions of an RGB output of aprojector may be received via the input image ports of differentwaveguide layers and generate a color image at an output image port ofthe stack of waveguides. The output image port of the stack ofwaveguides can be an output image port that receives images from theoutput ports of the waveguide layers. In some embodiments, where theDV-display 130 includes a stack of waveguides, the DV-display 130 cangenerate a composite image (e.g., by the superposition of two or moreimages transported by two or more of the waveguide layers) through anoutput image port.

In some embodiments, an image projector (e.g., the first image projector128 or the second image projector 132) may be configured to project thelight within the red wavelengths to an input port of the red layer,project the light within the green wavelengths to an input port of thegreen layer, and project the light within the blue wavelengths to aninput port of the blue layer.

In some embodiments, the input image port(s) 456, 462 and the outputimage port 458 of the waveguide 454 may comprise an array ofmicromirrors embedded within an input optical coupling region or outputoptical region of the waveguide 454. The array of micromirrors of aninput image port (or optical input region) of the waveguide may beoriented to redirect light projected by a projector onto the input imageport so that light propagates inside the waveguide. The array ofmicromirrors of an out image port (or optical output region) of thewaveguide may be oriented to redirect light propagating in the waveguideso that light exits the waveguide and propagates in free space (e.g.,toward the exit window 114).

FIG. 5A illustrates examples of certain aspects of the reticle projector132. In some such examples, the reticle projector 132 may comprise apoint-like light source 574 (e.g., an LED, a laser diode, etc.), aconcave minor 576, and/or a flat minor 577. The light emitted by thelight source 574 can be collimated by the concave minor 576 andreflected toward the entrance grating 462 of the DV-Display 130 by theflat mirror 577.

FIG. 5B illustrates additional examples of certain aspects of thereticle projector 132. The reticle projector 132 can comprise anilluminator 572 (e.g., a laser diode), a reticle mask 568, and animaging lens 570. The illuminator 572 can he a point-like light source(e.g., LED, laser, etc.) that illuminates the reticle mask 568. Thereticle mask 568 can be an opaque film with a transparent region whichhas the shape of a reticle. One or more imaging lenses 570 may bepositioned between the reticle mask 568 and one of the input image ports462 of the DV-display 130. When the reticle mask 568 is illuminated, theimaging lens 570 may form an image of the reticle on the input imageport 462 of the DV-display 130. The image projected on the input imageport 462 can he a collimated image.

The reticle mask 568 can include more than one reticle pattern. Forexample, FIG. 5C shows a reticle mask 571 with multiple reticlepatterns. This mask 571 can be a rotatable mask that allows user toselect one of the reticle patterns as projected pattern, by rotating themask.

FIG. 5D illustrates yet additional examples of aspects of the reticleprojector 132. The reticle projector 132 may comprise an illuminator 572(e.g., a laser diode), one or more mirrors 579, and a reticle grating578. The illuminator 572 can be a point-like light source (e.g., LED,laser, etc.). The light emitted by the illuminator 572 may be collimatedby the mirror 579 and redirected toward the reticle grating 578. Thereticle grating 578 may be configured to diffract light such that thediffraction pattern corresponds to the desired reticle image. Thereticle grating 578 can generate a collimated reticle image that can beprojected on the input image port 462 of the DV-display 130. Further,the reticle grating 578 can include more than one grating for generatingmore than one reticle image. For example, FIG. 5E shows a reticle mask580 with multiple reticle gratings. This reticle mask 580 can be arotatable grating that allows a user to select one of the reticlepatterns as a projected pattern by rotating the reticle mask 580.

The multi-pattern reticle mask 571 or the multi-pattern reticle grating580 may be rotated directly or using an eletromechanical actuatorcontrolled by the user via the user interface 134. The position andorientation of the reticle image generated by the reticle projector 132can be manually controlled by the control buttons or knobs, for example,through direct mechanical manipulation of the reticle mask 568, flatmirror 577, or the reticle grating 578. Manually operable rotary knobscan be provided on the rear face of the housing, for example, below theexit window 114 (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A) or other locations on thehousing 205 that enable operation or configuration of the reticleprojector 132 by the user. In other examples, the user interface 134 maybe used to adjust the position/orientation of the reticle image bychanging the position and direction of the illuminator 572 itself. Inyet other examples, the reticle image can be adjusted by adjusting aconfiguration of the reticle projector 132. The ability to adjust theposition of the reticle in the field of view of the scope enables a userto manually bore-sight the reticle image.

The housing 205 may include one or more battery compartments 211 thatcan provide power to electronic, optical and electro-mechanicalcomponents and systems employed in the scope 200. In some embodiments,the one or more batteries that provide power to the reticle projector132 may be positioned inside a compartment within the housing 205 andthe one or more batteries that power other electronic, optical, and/orelectro-mechanical components within the scope 200 may be located withinone or more detachable modules. Advantageously, in certain aspects, byproviding a separate power source for the reticle projector (the secondprojector) 132, the reticle may be displayed to a user regardless of acharge-state of the one or more batteries that power the components thatcreate the video-views or provide other features of the scope 200.Moreover, as the reticle projector 132 may use significantly less powerthan the EPCU 110 and/or other systems of the firearm scope 200 (e.g.,image sensors, video projectors, etc.), the reticle projector 132 mayoperate for substantially longer than the video projector 128 in somecases. In some embodiments, a power source that powers the reticleprojector may also provide power to a video projector 128 and selectedmodules inside the EPCU 110 enabling the display of additional symbologywith the reticle image regardless of whether the image sensors and othermodules are active, turned off, or in a power-saving mode.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the front and rear perspective view ofadditional examples of the sight system or firearm scope 200 inaccordance with certain aspects. Embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A and6B can include one or more of the previously described embodiments withrespect to the firearm scope 200. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, thefirearm scope 200 may have an entrance window 112 and/or an exit window114 with a substantially rectangular shape. In the examples illustratedin FIGS. 6A and 6B, the EPCU 110, one or more batteries, and some or allof the optical components may be positioned in a housing 205 with one ormore compartments.

FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate the front and rear view, respectively, of thefirearm scope shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6E illustrates a side viewcross-section of the sight shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D showing thearrangement of the components involved in the image formation inside thehousing 205 when the pivotable mirror is in an ON state (e.g., when themirror 118 is positioned within the visible light path). As anon-limiting example of the flow of light within the scope 200 in avideo-view mode, FIG. 6E illustrates several visible light rays. Thelight rays enter a sight system of the firearm scope 200 through theentrance window 112 and are focused on the visible image sensor 126 bythe moveable or pivotable mirror 118 and the visible optical imagingsystem 124. The visible light rays may pass through the beam splitter116 with less than 5% attenuation and a displacement proportional to thethickness of the beam splitter 116.

Some aspects of the firearm scope may provide the direct-view imagecombined with a video image and a reticle image. In some suchimplementations, the video image may include an IR image (or thermalimage), a visible-light image, or a combination of the two. In certainimplementations, one of the IR image or the visible-light image isomitted from the scope. In some such implementations, the beam splittermay be omitted.

In some examples, the weapon scope may support a single video-view mode.FIG. 7 shows an example of such an embodiment. This embodiment comprisesan entrance window 712, an exit window 714 that is transparent in thevisible wavelength range, a pivotable minor 718, an imaging subsystem724, an image senor 726, a video projector 728, a reticle projector 732,a DV-display 730 and a user interface 734. In some implementations ofthe scope 700, the user may select between a video-view or a direct-viewby switching the state of the pivotable mirror 718 between an ON orlowered state and an OFF or raised state. When the pivotable mirror 718is in the ON state, the incident light (passing through the entrancewindow 712) may he redirected toward the imaging subsystem and a videoview may be provided through the exit window 714. When the pivotablemirror 718 is in an OFF state, the optical path from the entrance window712 to the exit window 714 is cleared by raising the pivotable minor anddirect view becomes available.

In some implementations of the scope 700, the visible video view anddirect view may be provided. In some such cases, the entrance window 712may be at least transparent in the visible wavelength range and thepivotable mirror 718 may reflect the light at least within the visiblewavelength range. In cases where the entrance window is at leasttransparent in the visible range, the imaging subsystem 724 may form animage on the image sensor 726 that can be sensitive at least within thevisible wavelength range. In some examples, the video image may beprovided in certain lighting conditions (e.g., day light), while inother examples the video image may be provided in any lightingconditions. In implementations where the video-image is supported undermost or all lighting conditions, the image sensor may have enhancedsensitivity and/or the scope may include an image intensifier (e.g., avacuum tube device that increases the light intensity), and/or an IRilluminator to emit light in the sensitivity range of the selected imagesensor. In other examples, only the IR video view and direct view may beprovided. In some such examples, the entrance window 712 may be at leasttransparent in the LWIR wavelength range, the pivotable mirror 718 mayreflect the light at least within the LWIR wavelength range, the imagingsubsystem 724 may form an image on the image sensor at least in LWIRwavelength range, and the image sensor may be sensitive at least withinthe LWIR wavelength range. In some cases, multiple view modes may beprovided simultaneously. For example, in some cases, direct-view andvideo-view may be provided simultaneously. In some such cases, thepivotable minor may be at least partially transparent enablingdirect-view while redirecting at least some light to the image sensor726 to provide the video-view and/or thermal view.

In some implementations, the firearm scope 200 may further include oneor more supplemental systems, or display data from one or moresupplemental systems. These supplemental systems may include: a laserrange finder (LRF) module, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an eyetracker, an electronic compass, a digital clock, an altimeter, a windsensor, a thermometer, or any other supplemental system that can becombined with a firearm scope or which may display data on an augmenteddisplay of a firearm scope. The EPCU can combine the informationprovided by one or more of the aforementioned supplemental systems ordevices with the video image received from one of the image sensors sothat the composite image can be provided to the projector 128 andtransferred to the exit window 114 through DV-display 130 for display toa user along with the target image through the exit window 114. FIG. 8illustrates a side view cross section of an example embodiment of thesight system that includes an LRF 882, an inertial measurement unit(IMU) 884 and an eye tracker 838.

The LRF 882 module may comprise a pulsed laser, a photodetector, andelectronic circuitry for driving the laser and processing the signaldetected by the photodetector. The LRF 882 may be capable of measuringthe distance between a target and the sight system by sending a laserpulse toward the target and detecting the pulse reflected back by thetarget. The time delay between emission of a single pulse and detectionof the corresponding reflected signal can be provided to the ECPU 110,which can convert the time delay to a measure of distance. The EPCU maysend the measured distance as a video signal to the projector 128 sothat it can be displayed through the DV-display along with othersymbolic information and video images, and/or as an overlay depictedwith the direct-view image. The LRF module 882 can be provided on thefront side of housing below the entrance window.

The eye tracker module 838 is capable of generating a signal that can beused by the EPCU to determine whether the user is looking through theexit window 114. The determination of whether a user is looking throughthe scope 200 can be used to determine whether to enter a power-savingmode. If it is determined that a user is not using the scope 200, one ormore systems within the firearm scope 200 may be turned off or may entera sleep mode where power consumption is reduced. For example, in a seepmode, components that enable a video-view may be deactivated. The eyetracker 838 may be positioned on the rear side of housing below the exitwindow 114. The eye tracker 838 can be a time of flight (ToF) eyetracker that detects the direction of a user's gaze using the emissionand detection of a laser pulse. In some cases, the eye tracker 838 canbe an eye detector configured to detect whether an eye of the user iswithin a threshold distance of the exit (second) window. In some suchcases a controller (e.g., a controller in EPCU 110) may deactivate theimage sensors and the projectors, or enter a low-power mode, when theeye of the user is not detected within the threshold distance of thesecond window indicating that the user is not using the scope to observethe target scene. Advantageously, deactivating the image sensor when thescope is not used may extend the battery life or charging period of thescope.

The IMU 884 is a module for measuring the orientation and movement. TheIMU 884 can be included inside the housing to measure the movement andorientation of the sight system and send the corresponding informationas an electronic signal to the EPCU for processing.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing examples aspects of the EPCU110 of a scope (e.g., the scope 200). Further, FIG. 9 illustrates theconnection between EPCU 110, and devices and components that arecontrolled by and/or communicate with the EPCU 110. The EPCU 110 mayinclude a field programmable gate array (FPGA) 983, a memory unit 984, adigital signal processing unit 982, a CMOS image processor 991, a USBadapter 981, and/or an internal wireless transceiver 985. In addition tothe aforementioned image sensors and projectors, some non-limitingexamples of the devices that may be controlled and/or accessed by theEPCU include: an inertial measurement unit 884, an eye tracker 838, alaser range finder (LRF) 882, an external wireless transceiver 990, analtimeter (not shown), a wind sensor (not shown), an electronic-compass(not shown), and/or a magazine sensor (not shown). The EPCU 110, theimage sensors, the projector and one or more sensors and peripheraldevices may be powered by a first power supply 211, while the reticleprojector 132 may be powered by a second power supply 340 (e.g., a coincell battery). In some embodiments, the projector 128 and the electronicsubsystems used to project symbols and/or numbers associated with one ormore sensor outputs or system parameters may be temporarily powered bythe second power supply 340. For example, the EPCU may automaticallyswitch the power source for subsystems needed for projection ofauxiliary information from the first power source 211 to the secondpower source 340 when the first power source 211 runs out of charge. Incertain circumstances, when the first power supply 211 runs out ofcharge and the scope is used in direct view mode, this capability mayallow the user to see the information associated with one or moresensors (or system parameters) along with the reticle image. In otherimplementations, the second power supply 340 is reserved to power thereticle projector 132. Thus, the reticle may remain available even whenpower for the other systems described herein is lost.

In some examples, the FPGA 983 module may control some of the subsystemsof the EPCU and the devices connected to it. In other examples, thesubsystems and devices may be controller may be controlled by anon-programmable circuit. The internal memory 984 can be used to storeimages, video recordings, system parameters, and/or selected dataobtained from the sensors. The USB adapter 981 may be used to storeselected information from the internal memory 984 to an externalinformation storage device. The CMOS image processor 991 may receivevideo signals from one or more of the image sensors 126, 124 andtransfer the processed signal to the video projector 128. The DSP unit982 may be used to process the signals received from the sensors (e.g.,LRF 882, eye detector 838, IMU 884) and generate outputs that can betransferred to the video projector 128. The optional internal wirelesstransceiver 985 may be used to connect the scope to available wirelessnetworks in the vicinity of the scope

Some of the sensors may be electrically connected to the EPCU 110. Forexample, the eye tracker 838, LRF 882, and IMU 884 that may be attachedto or enclosed inside the housing 205 of the scope (as shown in FIG. 8)can be connected to the EPCU 110 through wires or conductive strips.Alternatively, electric connectivity may be provided through mountingrail 987 used to attach the scope to the weapon (or other devices usedin conjunction with the scope). Using rail communication modules 986,the EPCU 110 can control peripheral devices and exchange data with them.For example, EPCU 110 may be connected to a keypad 988 b and an IRtransceiver 988 a through the mounting rail 987. In some examples, themounting rail 987 may also serve as a power line to exchange powerbetween the scope and the devices mounted on the rail. The keypad 988 bmay be an extension of the scope's user interface 134 or an individualmodule that enables the controlling of one or more features of thefirearm scope 200 (e.g., the reticle's position with respect to the exitwindow 114, switching between supported viewing modes, and the like),certain of the scope. The IR transceiver 988 a may be used to link thescope to other devices via IR radiation. Non-limiting examples of suchdevices may include, devices that enable the display of environmentalconditions within a particular distance of the scope (e.g., wind, light,humidity, temperature, etc.), devices that can assist with targetacquisition and engagement (ballistic calculator, range finder, etc.),positioning devices (e.g., global positioning systems or GPS),communication devices (e.g., broadband wireless, satellitecommunication, etc.) and the like. The aforementioned devices mayexchange information with the scope via wireless and/or optical links.For example a magazine sensor may be integrated with the weapon and sendinformation to EPCU through a non-contact optical link. In some aspects,the firearm scope 200 may receive data from a weapon that supports amagazine with an ammunition counter. In some such aspects, the firearmscope 200 may display the ammunition count as symbology on theDV-display 130. Certain examples of an ammunition counter that can beused with the features described herein are described in U.S.application Ser. No. 16/297,288 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,557,676), whichwas filed on Mar. 8, 2019 and is titled “FIREARM AMMUNITION AVAILABILITYDETECTION SYSTEM,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety herein.

In certain additional aspects, using a transceiver 990, the scope (e.g.,the scope 200) may communicate with other equipment or devices 989 of auser, such as a pair of night vision goggles, a head mounted display, adisplay system attached to a helmet, and/or any other type of equipmentthat may be included as part of a user's or soldier's kit. In somecases, the scope 200 may communicate with a different user than the userholding or operating the scope 200 or weapon system that includes thescope 200. For example, a soldier may be using a weapon system thatincludes the scope 200 and the transceiver 990 of the scope 200 maytransmit a video-view of the scope 200 to a helmet or computing deviceof another user (e.g., a commanding officer, squad leader, or otherobserver). Further, the transceiver 990 may transmit the video-view, orother data, to both equipment of the user using the scope 200 (e.g.,helmet or other heads-up-display) and to equipment of another user(e.g., helmet or computing device of a commanding officer).

The transceiver 990 may be a wired or wireless transceiver. The scope200, using the transceiver 990, may establish a bidirectional wirelessconnection with a pair of goggles 989 to transmit/receive video,commands, and/or other data to/from the goggles 989 or other equipmentof the user. In some cases, the connection may be unidirectional. Forexample, in some cases, the scope 200 may transmit data to the gogglesor other equipment 989 (e.g., the goggles of the user), but may notreceive data. In other cases, the scope 200 may receive data, but nottransmit data to equipment 989. Further, in some implementations,whether or not the scope 200 is capable of transmitting, receiving, bothtransmitting and receiving data, or neither transmitting or receivingdata to/from the equipment 989, the scope 200 may still be capable ofcommunicating with a weapon system to which the scope 200 is mounted. Itshould be understood that any discussion of communicating data,commands, or video between the scope 200 and the goggles or otherequipment 989 may include communicating data, commands, and video.

In some embodiments, the scope 200 may establish a wireless connectionwith an electronic device 989 to exchange data, commands, and/or videowith the electronic device. The scope 200 may communicate the video-viewusing any type of video format (e.g., MP4, MPEG, AVI, MOV, and thelike). Further, the scope 200 may communicate any type of data (e.g.,environmental data or firearm data) or commands, using the transceiver990, to/from the electronic device 989. In some examples, the data mayinclude environmental data received from an environmental sensor, suchas: altitude, temperature, level of light, humidity, windspeed/direction and the like. In some examples, the data may includefirearm or weapon system data received from a firearm (e.g., the firearmon which the firearm scope is mounted) and may include: a cartridgecount of cartridges within one or more magazines registered with and/orinserted into the firearm, a jam state of the firearm, a battery statusof a battery within the firearm, a status of electronics included in thefirearm, a magazine insertion status of the firearm, a firearm safetystatus, status of the scope (e.g., battery status, mode of operation,reticle status, etc.), and the like. Further, the data may include oneor more views generated or viewable when a user looks through the scope,regardless of whether the user is actively looking through the scope.For example, the data may include a video view and/or thermal orinfrared view captured and/or generated by the scope 200. Further, thedata may include a reticle or reticle position with respect to one ormore views transmitted to the device 989. Additional data may includerangefinder data, target acquisition data, target identification data,or any other data that may be detected, determined, or provided toequipment of a soldier, a hunter, a peace officer, or other user of ascope 200. Further, in some cases, the data may include commands tofacilitate operation of the scope 200, the weapon upon which the scopeis mounted or registered, or any other equipment of the user. Forexample, the commands may include commands to activate/deactivate one ormore features of the scope (e.g., reticle, video-view, thermal view), totransmit or cease transmitting data (e.g., cartridge count or othermagazine data, weapon state data, scope state data, video or thermalviews, etc.), or any other type of command for controlling the scope 200or other devices carried by the user.

The wireless connection can be a Bluetooth® wireless link, a militarywideband connection, or other near-field communication system.Advantageously, using such wireless connection the user can acquire andengage a target without bringing the weapon close to the eye andremoving the goggles 989 (e.g., a night vision goggle) or other devicesthat may interfere with positioning the scope 200 in front of the user'seye. Although the communication between the scope 200 and the device 989has been primarily described as wireless, it should be understood thatwired communication is also possible. For example, an optical cable maybe used to connect the scope 200 to a helmet of goggles 989 of the user.Further, although communication has been described as the scope 200directly communicating with the device 989, it should be understood thatan intermediary device may facilitate communication. For example, thescope 200 may communicate with a weapon system or firearm, which maythen communicate with the device 989. As another example, the user maycarry a personal network device that may facilitate communicationsbetween one or more pieces of equipment of the user (e.g., between ascope, firearm, helmet, and other accessories carried by a user orsoldier).

The EPCU 110 may receive the signals generated by the image sensors andafter processing and/or storing the corresponding information, provide afirst video signal that carries the information needed to generate animage of the target scene. Simultaneously, the EPCU may also receiveelectronic data from the sensors and other peripheral devices that maybe connected to the scope (e.g., eye tracker, IMU, LRF, etc.) by variousmeans, and may generate a second video signal that carry the informationreceived from the sensors or other peripheral devices in symbolic form.Further, the EPCU 110 may combine the two video signals to generate animage of the target scene with symbolic information superimposed on it.For example, the information received from the magazine sensor, the LRF,and the wind sensor may be superimposed on the target scene such thatduring target acquisition the user can see the distance from the target,the wind speed and the number of rounds or cartridges remaining in themagazine as symbolic information, without moving the user's eye awayfrom the exit window the scope.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the image seen by the user through thefirearm scope 200 (e.g., a war zone) with the bore-sighted image of thereticle and auxiliary information superimposed on the image (e.g.,ammunition count, time, target range, temperature, wind speed,electronic compass), In the depicted example, the user can observe abore sighted reticle image 1003, the number of rounds left in themagazine 1004 (e.g., acquired by a magazine sensor), the distance fromthe target 1005 (e.g., acquired by the LRF 882), the temperature 1006(e.g., acquired by a temperature sensor included in the side), the windspeed 1007 (e.g., acquired by a wind sensor mounted on the rail), theorientation of the weapon 1002 (e.g., acquired by the IMU and/or anelectronic compass), and the time 1001 (e.g., provided by a digitalclock).

Example Use Cases

Certain aspects of the operation of an example firearm scope or sightsystem 100. 200 of the present disclosure are described below. The sightsystem may operate in different modes. For example, the configurationsshown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 6E may support multiple modes of operation.These modes of operation may include, for example, 1) Simultaneousthermal video-view and direct-view; 2) direct-view; or 3) video-viewonly (IR/thermal or visible). It should be understood that other modesof operation are possible as described herein. For example, it ispossible to have simultaneous video and direct view modes. Moreover, itis possible to have simultaneous, video, direct, and thermal view modes.Moreover, in each of the viewing modes, the reticle may besimultaneously presented. By supporting multiple view modessimultaneously, it is possible for a user to see augmented data thataugments a direct-view. For example, thermal views and/or video viewsmay augment the direct-view.

1) Simultaneous thermal video-view and direct-view: In this mode ofoperation, the pivotable mirror 118 may be in an “OFF” state to enabledirect-view and the video projector 128 may receive a video signal fromthe thermal image sensor 122. The user can directly see the target scenealong with the thermal video image, the reticle image, and auxiliaryinformation, if any. To reduce power consumption, the display of certainauxiliary information may be omitted. For example, the EPCU may beconfigured to automatically disable a selected set of auxiliaryinformation or the user interface may be configured to allow the user todisable selected set of auxiliary information. FIG. 12A shows a sidecut-away view of a configuration of certain embodiments of the sightsystem shown in FIGS. 6A-6E where the flip mirror 118 is rotated up (orthe switchable mirror is in the OFF state) allowing the direct-viewimage to be seen through the exit window 114. In addition to the directview, the video signal received from the IR image sensor 122 can besimultaneously projected by the DV-display 130 providing a thermal imagesuperimposed on the directly observed image in the exit window 114.Additionally, the image of the reticle can be superimposed on thedisplayed images. Each of the images can be bore-sighted. FIGS. 12B and12C show the same mode of operation for the example shown in FIGS.6A-6E. The visible light rays 1101 may directly reach the user 113 afterpassing through the entrance window 112, beam splitter 116, and the exitwindow 114. The IR light rays 1102 may be reflected by the beam splitter116 and imaged on the IR image sensor 122 using the objective lens 344,IR mirror 348, and eyepiece 352. The IR image sensor 122 can generate avideo signal and transmit the video signal to the projector 128. Theprojector 128 can generate and project the image to the input image portof the DV-display 130, which may generate and/or direct visible lightrays 1105 to the exit window 114 so that the user 113 can observe thecorresponding image.

2) Direct-view only: in this mode the pivotable mirror 118 is in an“OFF” state (as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C) and the EPCU 110subsystems associated with video projection (e.g., CMOS image processor,image projector) may be turned off. As such, the user can only observethe direct-view image of the target scene naturally formed in user'seye. In some implementations, the user may still be presented with abore sighted image of a reticle. Further, in some cases, auxiliarysymbolic information may be presented on the DV-display 130 with thedirect-view. To reduce power consumption, the EPCU can be turned off toeliminate the use of the main power source. In some such cases, only theimage of the reticle may be superimposed on the direct-view image. Thereticle projector 132 may be powered by its own power source separatefrom the power source used by the EPCU 110 and/or other systems used togenerate the video-view. Due to low power consumption of the reticleprojector 132, the power source for the reticle projector 132 may lastfor months or years before needing replacement or recharging.Advantageously, in certain implementations, by having a separate powersource for the reticle, a user may continue to use the reticle whenpower for other systems within the scope 200 is lost or drained.Moreover, in certain implementations, because the reticle projector 132typically uses less power than a video-display system, the reticleprojector 132 may remain powered for a longer time period than comparedto a system that utilizes a single power source for the reticle and thevideo-mode. Advantageously, in use-cases where new batteries orrecharging is not available, a user may continue to have access to thereticle when access (due, for example, to a drained battery) to avideo-mode is lost.

3) Video-view only: in this mode the pivotable mirror 118 is in an “ON”state (as shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C) and reflects the incomingvisible light rays 1101 toward the aperture of the visible light imagingsubsystem 124 resulting in the formation of the target scene image onthe visible light image sensor 126. FIG. 11A shows a side cut-away viewof a configuration of certain embodiments of the sight system shown inFIGS. 6A-6E where the flip mirror 118 is rotated down (or the switchablemirror is in the ON state) to enable video-view only mode. In this mode,the incoming IR light rays 1102 may be deflected toward the objective IRlens 344 by the beam splitter resulting in formation of the target sceneimage on the IR image sensor 122. The video projector 128 may receivethe video signal from the visible image sensor 126 or the IR imagesensor 122. The user 113 can simultaneously see the video image of thetarget scene, the reticle image, and the auxiliary information, if any.To save battery a selected set of the auxiliary information may bedisabled automatically (e.g., by the ECPU) or manually (e.g., throughthe user interface). The user can change the electronic magnification ofthe video system and zoom on a target or selected region of a scene.FIGS. 11B and 11C show the same mode of operation for the example shownin FIGS. 6A-6E. In FIGS. 11B and 11C, the flip mirror 118 is rotateddown (or the switchable mirror is in an ON state) to reflect the visiblelight rays 1011 passing through the dichroic splitter 116 toward theaperture of the visible light imaging subsystem 224. Simultaneously, theIR light rays 1102 may be deflected toward the objective IR lens 344 bythe beam splitter resulting in formation of the target scene image onthe IR image sensor 122. The signal fed to the video projector 128 canbe either received from the visible imager 126 (e.g., in a visible lightvideo view mode) or the IR/thermal image sensor 122 (e.g., in a thermalvideo view mode). A selection between thermal video-view, visible lightvideo-view mode, or both thermal and visible light video-view mode canbe performed through a user interface. The image projected by DV-display130 through the exit window 114 is a visible image of the target scene.Further, regardless of the selected video-modes, the reticle can besuperimposed on the video image. The video images and the reticle imagecan be bore-sighted. In some implementations, the scope 200 can beconfigured to automatically switch between a visible-light video viewand a thermal video-view based on a detected amount of visible light inthe environment. The amount of ambient or available visible light in theenvironment may be measured by a light sensor integrated with or addedto the firearm scope 200.

Additional Embodiments

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the front and back perspective views of anexample firearm scope or sight system 1300 in accordance with certainaspects of the present disclosure. Embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 13Aand 13B can include one or more of the previously described embodimentswith respect to the firearm scope or sight system 200. In someembodiments, various imaging sub-systems of the scope 1300 may beidentical to the imaging sub-systems of the scope 200.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, similar to firearm scope 200, thefirearm scope 1300 may have an entrance window 112 and an exit window114 with a substantially rectangular shape. It should be understood thatthe entrance window 112 and exit window 114 may be shaped differently.Advantageously, in certain embodiments, because the scope 200 does notrequire optics in the direct-viewing path, the shape of the entrancewindow 112 and the exit window 114 do not have the same limitations as ascope that relies on optics within the viewing path.

The laser range finder of the firearm scope 1300 may have two separateapertures or a combined aperture positioned in the front surface of thescope 1300 for transmitting and receiving laser beams. In some examples,a laser beam is transmitted via a laser transmitter aperture 1383 (laserTx aperture) and the corresponding reflected laser beam is received viaa laser receiver aperture 1382 (laser Rx aperture).

Further, the scope 1300 may include controls for positioning thereticle. For example, the scope 1300 may include an elevation adjustmentknob 1338 that allows the user to adjust the elevation of the reticle.Moreover, the scope 1300 may include an azimuth adjustment knob 1346that allows the user to adjust the azimuth of the reticle. It should beunderstood that other reticle position adjustment controls may be usedinstead of or in addition to the elevation adjustment knob 1338 and/orthe azimuth adjustment knob 1346. For example, the reticle may beadjusted in a horizontal plane. As another example, the shape,intensity, color, or brightness of the reticle may be adjusted.

The scope 1300 may further include a flip mirror control knob 1318 thatcan be used to change the state of a pivotable mirror (e.g., pivotablemirror 118) or a switchable mirror, between an OFF state for direct viewthrough the entrance window 112 (e.g., direct-view mode), or an ON statefor activating the video-view mode (e.g., visible video-view mode). InON state, the pivotable mirror 118 may be turned, moved up, or otherwiseremoved from the optical or viewing path between the beam splitter 116and exit window 114. In the OFF state, the pivotable mirror 118 may beturned, move down or otherwise positioned within the optical pathbetween the beam splitter 116 and exit window 114 and may block thedirect-view. In some cases, the pivotable mirror 118 permits somevisible light to travel through to the exit window 114 while redirectingsome visible light. In some such cases, a direct-view and video-view maybe combined or viewed simultaneously. Similarly, a thermal or infraredview may be combined or viewed simultaneously with a direct and/or videoview.

In some examples, the flip mirror control knob 1318 may also control thepower supply to the electronic components and circuitry associated withvideo imaging (e.g., the CMOS image processor 991 and the visible imagesensor 126). In some such examples, when the flip mirror control knob1318 is in OFF state, where the mirror blocks the direct optical pathbetween the entrance window 112 and exit window 114, the CMOS imageprocessor and the visible image sensor may be turned off. In otherimplementations, separate controls may be used to activate/deactivatevideo or thermal view modes. Advantageously, the ability to control theactivation and deactivation of video and thermal view modes can extendthe battery life of the scope power supply by reducing power consumptionduring periods when only direct-view is used.

In some cases, the reticle may include a red dot sight. In some suchcases, a user interface 134 of the firearm scope 1300 may be used toadjust the red dot sight. For example, the user interface may includethree buttons, 134 a, 134 b and 134 c, that may be used to control thestate and position of the reticle image (e.g., a red dot) projected bythe scope 1300 (or the scope 200). In some cases, an on/off button 134 amay be used to turn the reticle image on or off, and buttons 134 b and134 c may be used to control the position of the red dot sight orreticle image. The user interface 134 may also include an environmentalsensor 1384 (e.g., for monitoring altitude, temperature, humidity andthe like), and an eye tracker aperture 838 a that allows the eye tracker838 to track the user's eye movement of position. Tracking the user'seye position can be used to determine whether the user is looking in thescope. By determining whether the user is looking in the scope, certainfeatures (e.g., video-view mode) can be activated or deactivatedproviding for power savings. For example, the video-view mode can bedeactivated when a user ceases looking into the scope 1300 andreactivated when the user moves his/her eye back to a viewing apertureor window of the scope.

The scope 1300 may also include an external power connector 1398 thatmay be used to provide power to the scope 1300 from an external powersupply (e.g., to power up the scope externally or to charge one or morebatteries in the scope 1300). The external power connector 1398 may beinstead of or in addition to a powered rail interface that may be usedto provide power to the scope 1300 from a power source within theweapon.

FIG. 14A-14E illustrate the side view, front view, back view, bottomview and the perspective bottom view of the scope 1300. As shown inFIGS. 14A-14C, the scope 1300 may include a video-view control knob1348. The video view control knob 1348 may be used toactivate/deactivate the video view mode and/or to change one or morecontrol settings for the video view mode. Further, the scope 1300 mayinclude a thermal/IR image control knob 1344 that may allow the user toactivate/deactivate the thermal or infrared view modes. In someembodiments, the control knob 1348 and the control knob 1344 may be usedto focus the video and/or thermal images generated or projected by theprojector 128 onto the DV-display 130. In some implementations, thecontrol knob 1348 and the IR/thermal image control knob 1344 maydirectly or indirectly control digital processing of the image generatedby the visible image sensor 126 or the IR image sensor 122.

It should be understood that although various user interface elementsare described as knobs, buttons, or switches, the form of the userinterface elements are not limited as such. Any type of user interfaceelement may be used for any of the controls described herein. Forexample, user interface elements may include touch inputs, touchscreens, physical buttons, rotatable knobs, flip switches, buttons, andthe like.

As shown in the bottom view of the scope 130 (FIG. 14D), the scope 1300may have a rail mount 1402 that allows the firearm scope 1300 to beremovably mounted to a receiving or mounting rail of a firearm, weaponsystem, or other device that may exploit the functionalities provided bythe firearm scope 1300. The firearm scope 1300 may be attached to afirearm or weapon using any type of attachment mechanism that enablesthe firearm scope 1300 to be securely affixed to the weapon. In theexample shown, the firearm scope 1300 may have a rail grabber lever 1404that can be used to manually tighten and loosen the rail mount 1402 toor from a receiving rail on a weapon. In other cases, the scope 1300 maysnap into or onto a rail of the weapon. In some such cases, a releaselever, button, or other element may be used to release the scope 1300from the weapon. The rail mount 1402 may also include one or moreelectrical or optical connectors to enable electrical or opticalcommunication between the scope and the firearm, weapon system, or otherdevice. In the example shown, the rail mount 1402 includes threeinterface connectors 1486. These interface connectors 1486 may bepowered rail interfaces configured to support electrical and/or opticalconnection to an underlying weapon. In some cases, the interfaceconnectors 1486 provide electric power from a weapon to the scope 1300.Alternatively, the scope 1300 may be used to power elements of theweapon. Moreover, in some cases, the interface connectors 1486 may beused to connect to a charger to charge batteries of the scope 1300. Itshould be understood that the scope 1300 may use replaceable and/orrechargeable batteries.

FIG. 15A illustrates the side view cross-section of the firearm scope orthe sight system 1300 shown in FIGS. 13A and 14A. The scope 1300 can beconfigured to operate in direct-view, video view, and/or IR/thermal viewmodes. The arrangement and function of the components and sub-systems inthe firearm scope 1300 can include one or more of the previouslydescribed embodiments with respect to the firearm scope 200. Morespecifically, the components and imaging sub-systems used to enabledirect-view mode and support IR and/or visible video-view modes in thescope 1300 may be similar or identical to those described with respectto scope 200.

The scope 1300 includes DV-display 130 that enables multiple views via asingle entrance window 112 and a single exit window 114. The DV-display130 may be used to support, for example, direct-view, video-view, and/orinfrared/thermal view. Each of the different views may be viewed oractivated independently, or in combination with one another. Further, areticle image can be superimposed on one or more of the views.

The scope 1300 includes an IR video imaging sub-system and a visibleimaging sub-system that in combination with a DV-display subsystemenable the above mentioned modalities. The IR imaging sub-system cancomprise the beam splitter 116, the objective lens 344, a double-sidedreflector 1548, an eyepiece 352, and an IR image sensor 122. Thedouble-sided reflector 1542 may comprise two reflective surfacesconfigured to reflect light incident on both sides of the reflector. Afirst surface reflective surface of the double-sided mirror 1548 may beconfigured to reflect IR light reflected from the beam splitter 116 anddirect it to the eyepiece 352. A second reflective surface of thedouble-sided reflector 1548 may be configured to reflect (or redirect)laser light (e.g., IR or visible) received from the range finder window1482 and direct it to the range finder sensor 1582.

The visible imaging sub-system may comprise the pivotable mirror 118,the visible optical imaging subsystem 124 and the visible image sensor126 (e.g., a CMOS imaging sensor).

The DV-display sub-system may comprise a DV-display 130 (e.g., the slabwaveguide 454 configured to project an image received from one or moreinput image ports 456/462 via an image output port 458) and one or moreprojectors configured to project light to an input image port of theDV-display 130. In the example shown, the video projector 128 projectorgenerates and projects images formed using the video signals receivedfrom the IR image sensor 122 and/or visible image sensor 126.

As a non-limiting example of the flow of light within the scope 1300,FIG. 15B illustrates several light rays depicting the optical pathsassociated with the direct view, video views, laser range finder, andreticle (or red dot) imaging. The light rays associated with the directview and video views enter the scope 1300 through the entrance window112. The visible light rays generate images via direct view or visiblevideo view. For example, in the direct view mode (when the pivotablemirror 118 is in an OFF state (pivoted out of the light path) or if thepivotable mirror is partially transparent), the visible light ray 1504light ray can pass through the beam splitter 116 and the DV-display 130.In the visible video-view mode (when the pivotable mirror 118 is in anON state (positioned to redirect light towards the image sensor 126)),the visible light ray 1101 passes through the beam splitter 116 and isthen redirected by the pivotable mirror 118 toward the visible imagesensor 126. In the thermal video-view mode, the thermal (LWIR) light ray1102 is redirected by the beam splitter 116 and the double-sidedreflector 1548 toward the infrared image sensor 122. In video-view modes(visible or thermal), the image sensors generate video signals, theprojector 128 converts the video signals to images and sends the imagesto the DV-display 130. In the example shown, ray 1105 is generated bythe projector 128, coupled from the projector 128 to the DV-display 130and redirected toward the exit window 114 by the DV-display 130. TheDV-display 130 may also receive a reticle image (e.g., a red dot image)from a second projector 132 (reticle projector or red dot projector) andcombine the reticle image with the image generated by the projector 128.In the examples shown, ray 1506 is generated by the second projector 132and redirected toward the exit window 114 by the DV-display 130. In somecases, an additional projector may be used to project additional videoor data to be superimposed on one or more other views displayed on theDV-display 130 or viewable through the DV-display 130. For example, anadditional projector may be used to project cartridge data, batterydata, geopositioning data, weapon state data, or any other type of dataon one or more views (e.g., thermal, video, direct views, etc.)

As described above the second reflective surface of the double-sidedreflector 1548 may be configured to reflect laser light (IR or visible)associated with the laser range finder 882 and received from laser rangefinder aperture 882 a. In the example shown, the ray 1503, which may bea received laser, is redirected toward the range finder sensor 1582 bythe second reflecting surface of the double-sided reflector 1548. In theexample shown, the laser ray 1503 can be associated with the reflectionor scattering of an incident laser light generated by the laser rangefinder 882 and emitted via the laser Tx aperture 1383.

As described above, in some implementations, the firearm scope or sightsystem 200 or 1300 may be configured to support direct-view and thermalvideo-view modes while omitting support for non-thermal video viewmodes. In these embodiments, the pivotable mirror 118, the visible lightimaging subsystem 124, and the visible image sensor 126 (e.g., a CMOSimage sensor) may be omitted from the scope 200 or 1300. Omitting thevisible video imaging system, can reduce the size, weight and the powerconsumption of such scopes. For example, without the optics and hardwareuse to support video-view, the length of the scope 1600 can be shortenedcompared to scopes that support video view (e.g., the scopes 200 and1300). Advantageously, a lightweight and compact scope that stillsupports, direct-view and thermal video-view modes, and supports asuperimposed a reticle image in both modes, can be used with smallerfirearms, and/or to reduce the weight of the scope and consequently, theweapon system that uses the scope. Moreover, reduced power consumptionmay result in extended battery life or reduced battery recharging time.

FIG. 16A illustrates the side view cross-section of an example compactscope or compact sight system 1600 configured to operate in direct-viewand/or IR/thermal video-view modes. In some embodiments, the scope 1600can include one or more of the previously described features describedwith respect to the firearm scope 200 or 1300.

The components within the scope may be arranged and/or configured toenable direct view and/or thermal/IR video-view, while providing abore-sighted reticle image as a single composite image. The scope 1600may include a first window (an entrance window) 112 and a second window(an exit window 114). Light may enter the scope 1600 through theentrance window 112 and the direct view or the video images may beviewed by the user through the exit window 114. The scope 1600 mayfurther include: a beam splitter 116 (e.g., dichroic mirror/beamsplitter), an IR mirror 348, an objective lens 344, an eyepiece 352, anIR image sensor 122, a DV-display 130, and a projector 1628. Theprojector 1628 may be used to project a thermal image onto theDV-display 130. In some embodiments, the projector 1628 may beconfigured to project the thermal image along with a reticle image. Inother words, in some cases, the projector 1628 may combine thefunctionality of the projectors 128 and 132. In some such embodiments,the projector 1628 may comprise two projectors and a beam combinerconfigured to generate a composite image and project the composite imageto an input image port of the DV-display 130. For example, the projector1628 may comprise the configuration described with respect to FIG. 4Cwhere the beam combiner 466 combines the images received from ethprojector 128 and projector 132 and outputs a composite image.Alternatively, or in addition, the scope 1600 may include a secondprojector (e.g., a red dot projector or a reticle projector) forprojecting a reticle onto the DV-display 130, which may have two imageinput ports.

In addition, the scope 1600 may include a sunshield 1615. The sunshield1615 may be flappable and may be used to block some light. It may bedesirable to block at least some light when in an environment with a lotof direct light. By blocking at least some of the light, it may beeasier to see a projected thermal image. In some cases, the sunshield1615 blocks all visible light and only thermal view is available. Inother cases, the sunshield 1615 only blocks some visible light anddirect view may still be available. The scope 1600 may further includean electronic system 1610 configured to provide control and support theIR/thermal image sensor 122, the projectors, and the DV-display 130. Asdescribed above, the projector 1628 may project a first image (e.g.,IR/thermal image of a target scene) and a second image (e.g., a reticleimage), via one or more input image ports of the DV-display 130. Asdescribed above, the first and the second projector may be powered bydifferent power sources. In some examples, the second projector mayconsume less power than the first projector. In some cases, such as whenthe second projector includes a reticle projector, the second projectormay include a laser diode used as an optical source to generate thereticle image. In some embodiments, the second projector may beconfigured to project image of symbols including but not limited to areticle image to the DV-display 130. In some examples, the symbols mayinclude one or more of: a cartridge count indicative of a number ofcartridges within a magazine, a status of a power source; an identifierof a target status within the target scene; a jam state of a firearm; acommunication state between the firearm scope and the firearm, or anyother type of data that may be projected onto the DV-display.

The beamsplitter 116 may be configured to allow transmission of lightwithin a selected wavelength range (e.g., a visible light range, such asbetween 0.4 and 2 micrometers), while re-directing light within adifferent wavelength range (e.g., an infrared light range, such asbetween 5 to 15 micrometers) toward the objective lens 344. As such, inpresence of sufficient visible light, the user can observe thesurrounding environment through the DV-display 130 and the beamsplitter116. If the IR/thermal-view mode is active (e.g., the IR image sensor122 is powered and generates a video signal), the user may see anIR/thermal image of the surrounding environment superimposed on a scenethat is directly observable via the entrance 112 and exit 114 windows.

The objective lens 344, the IR mirror 348 and the eyepiece 352, form anIR/thermal image on the IR image sensor 122 using IR/thermal radiationreceived from the entrance window 112. The IR image sensor 122 can be athermal focal-plane array capable of processing light within theinfrared spectrum. The IR image sensor 122 generates a video signal andtransmits the video signal to the projector 1628. The projector 1628generates an image and couples the image to the DV-display 130 (e.g.,via the input image port 456). The DV-display forms a final IR/thermalimage that may be seen by the user via the exit window 114simultaneously with the directly observed scene. The DV-display can be atransparent display substrate comprising a waveguide that allows visiblelight incident on the waveguide to pass from the entrance window 112 tothe exit window 114, while guiding the thermal image received from aninput image port or input optical coupling region of the waveguide andoutputting the thermal image via an out image port. The DV-display mayhave a luminous transmittance greater than or equal to about 80% usingCIE Illuminant D65.

The flippable sunshield 1615 may be used to block the direct viewoptical path (from the entrance window 112 to the exit window 114), whenthe IR/thermal view mode is activated. Advantageously, blocking thedirect view when viewing the IR/thermal images formed by the DV-display130, eliminates the ambient light that may reduce the visibility of theIR/thermal image by the user.

FIGS. 16B and 16C illustrate the front and the bottom perspective viewsof the compact scope or compact sight system 1600 (shown in FIG. 16A).The compact scope 1600 may include an IR image control knob 1344 thatallows the user to control the IR image seen through the exit window114. For example, the IR image control knob may be used toactivate/deactivate the thermal view and/or to focus the IR/thermalimage formed by the DV-display 130. In some embodiments, the IR imagecontrol knob 1344 may be a digital focus knob that can be used to focusthe IR image by changing the video signal generated by the IR imagesensor 122 (e.g., using a signal processing unit in the electronicsystem 1610).

As shown in the bottom perspective view (FIG. 16C), the compact scope1600 may have a rail mount 1602 that allows the compact scope 1600 to beremovably mounted to a receiving or mounting rail of a firearm, weaponsystem, or other device that may exploit the functionalities provided bythe compact scope 1600. The compact scope 1600 may be attached to afirearm or weapon using any type of attachment mechanism. In the exampleshown, the compact scope 1600 has a rail grabber lever 1604 lever thatcan be used to manually tighten and loosen the rail mount 1402 to orfrom a receiving rail on a weapon. In some embodiments, the rail mount1602 may also include one or more electrical or optical connectors toenable electrical or optical communication between the compact scope andthe firearm, weapon system, or other device.

In some embodiments, the firearm scope 1600 may include a user interfacethat allows a user to adjust the images generated and projected by thefirst and the second projectors. For example, the user may adjust alocation of the reticle image within the transparent display substrate.

Example Weapon System with Multi-Function Single-View Scope

In some embodiments, a weapon system may comprise a firearm and afirearm scope, (e.g., firearm scope 200, 1300 or 1600) mounted orattached to the firearm. The firearm may have one or more mounts forattaching one or more accessories to the firearm. The firearm scope maybe attached to the firearm via one of the mounts. For example, a railmount (e.g., rail mount 202, 1402 or 1602) of the firearm scope may beconnected to the mount. In some cases, the mount may accept mountingrails configured to be compatible with Picatinny rails, Weaver rails, orthe like. In some examples, the firearm can be a rifle, a shotgun, amachine gun or the like.

In some embodiments, the firearm may include a transmitter fortransmitting data to the firearm scope. The firearm scope may have areceiver configured to receive data from the firearm via a dataconnection established between the transmitter and the receiver. In someexamples, the transmitter can be a wireless transmitter and the receivercan be a wireless receiver. In some other examples, the transmitter canbe an optical transmitter and the receiver can be an optical receiver.In some embodiments, the transmitter can be part of a firearmtransceiver (e.g., electronic or optical transceiver) and the receivercan be part of a scope transceiver (e.g., wireless transceiver 990, anelectronic transceiver or an optical transceiver). In some embodiments,the firearm transceiver and the scope transceiver can be opticaltransceivers. In some implementations, an optical data link may beestablished between the firearm transceiver and the scope transceiver.The optical data link may be used to communicate optical data betweenthe firearm and the firearm scope. The optical data may comprise anoptical carrier modulated by digital data.

In some embodiments, the data connection or data link (e.g., opticaldata link) established between the firearm scope and the firearm may beused to transmit firearm data (e.g., data associated with the status ofthe firearm) from the firearm to the firearm scope. Firearm data mayinclude: a cartridge count of cartridges within a magazine inserted intothe firearm, a cartridge count of cartridges within one or moremagazines registered to the firearm, a jam state of the firearm, abattery status of a battery within the firearm, a state of electronicsincluded in the firearm, a magazine insertion status of the firearm, afirearm safety status, or any other data relating to operation of afirearm, and like. In some cases, the firearm arm data can be digitizedand corresponding digital data may be converted to optical data that canbe transmitted via the optical data link between the firearm and thefirearm scope.

Upon receiving the firearm data, the firearm scope may present one ormore images comprising the firearm data and/or one more symbolsassociated with the firearm data, via the DV-display 130. The images maybe generated by a first image source (e.g., the first projector 128) ora second image source (e.g., the second projector 132) of the firearmscope. In some examples, the EPCU 110 may receive the firearm data fromthe transceiver (e.g., wireless transceiver 990), and determine one ormore symbols using the firearm data, generate an image comprising thedetermined one or more symbols and present the image to the user (e.g.,user 113) via the DV-display 130 (e.g., a waveguide display). In someexamples, the EPCU 110 may determine a symbology (the one or moresymbols) using a processor (e.g., an FPGA 983, an ASIC, or a generalpurpose processor) and based on the data (e.g., firearm data) receivedfrom the firearm and/or other electronic devices (e.g., the goggle 989)in communication with the scope. In some cases, the data received overthe data connection may comprise control data usable for changing one ormore settings of the firearm scope (e.g., settings associated withimages displayed, operational mode of the scope, and the like). Uponreceiving the control data, the EPCU 110 may determine one or moresetting changes based on the control data and change one or moresettings of the firearm accordingly. In some cases, the EPCU 110 mayrequire a user confirmation via a user interface of the firearm scope(e.g., a user interface 134) before changing the one or more settings.

In some embodiments, an electrical connection may be established betweenthe firearm and the firearm scope (e.g., via the mounting rail of thescope and the mount of the firearm). The electrical connection may beused for data communication and electric power transport. In someexamples, the firearm may supply electric power to a portion or all ofthe electronic components and subsystems of the firearm scope (e.g.,EPCU 110, wireless transceiver 990, visible image sensor 126, IR imagesensor 122, reticle projector 132, etc.). In some examples, the user mayselect a sub-system of the firearm scope to receive power from thefirearm.

Example Embodiments

The following is a list of multiple sets of example numberedembodiments. The features recited in the below list of exampleembodiments can be combined with additional features disclosed herein.Further, each set of example numbered embodiments in the following listcan be combined with one or more additional sets of example numberedembodiments from the following list. Furthermore, additional inventivecombinations of features are disclosed herein, which are notspecifically recited in the below list of example embodiments and whichdo not include the same features as the embodiments listed below. Forsake of brevity, the below list of example embodiments does not identifyevery inventive aspect of this disclosure. The below list of exampleembodiments are not intended to identify key features or essentialfeatures of any subject matter described herein.

1. A weapon system comprising:

-   -   a firearm comprising a mount configured to support attachment of        an accessory to the firearm; and    -   a firearm scope mountable to the firearm via the mount of the        firearm, the firearm scope comprising a sight system configured        to admit light via a first window of the firearm scope and        present a target scene or an image of the target scene, to a        user via a second window of the firearm scope, wherein the image        of the target scene is formed based at least in part on light        admitted by the first window of the firearm scope, the sight        system comprising:        -   a first image source configured to generate a first image            for presentation to the user, wherein the first image source            generates the first image based at least in part on the            admitted light;        -   a second image source configured to generate a second image            comprising a reticle for presentation to the user;        -   a waveguide display configured to display the second image            superimposed on the first image to the user; and        -   an image projector configured to project at least the first            image onto the waveguide display.

2. The weapon system of embodiment 1, wherein the firearm comprises arifle.

3. The weapon system of embodiment 1, wherein the mount comprises aPicatinny rail or a Weaver rail.

4. The weapon system of embodiment 1, further comprising a dataconnection between the firearm and the firearm scope.

5. The weapon system of embodiment 4, wherein the firearm furthercomprises a transmitter and the firearm scope further comprises areceiver, and wherein the data connection is formed by the transmitterof the firearm and the receiver of the firearm scope.

6. The weapon system of embodiment 5, wherein the transmitter is part ofa first transceiver and the receiver is part of a second transceiver.

7. The weapon system of embodiment 4, wherein the firearm furthercomprises a first optical transceiver and the firearm scope furthercomprises a second optical transceiver, and wherein the data connectionis formed by the first optical transceiver and the second opticaltransceiver.

8. The weapon system of embodiment 4, wherein the firearm scope isconfigured to determine symbology corresponding to data received fromthe firearm over the data connection.

9. The weapon system of embodiment 8, wherein the first image source isfurther configured to generate the first image based at least in part onthe symbology.

10. The weapon system of embodiment 8, wherein the second image furthercomprises the symbology and wherein the second image source is furtherconfigured to generate the second image based on the symbology.

11. The weapon system of embodiment 8, wherein the data comprises acartridge count of cartridges within a magazine inserted into thefirearm; a cartridge count of cartridges within one or more magazinesregistered to the firearm; a jam state of the firearm; a battery statusof a battery within the firearm; a status of electronics included in thefirearm; a magazine insertion status of the firearm; or a firearm safetystatus.

12. The weapon system of embodiment 8, wherein the firearm scope furthercomprises a processor configured to determine the symbology based atleast in part on the data received via the data connection.

13. The weapon system of embodiment 4, wherein the firearm is furtherconfigured to provide control data over the data connection to thefirearm scope, and wherein the firearm scope is further configured tomodify one or more settings of the firearm scope based on the controldata.

14. The weapon system of embodiment 1, wherein the second image sourcecomprises a reticle image generator.

15. The weapon system of embodiment 14, wherein the reticle imagegenerator comprises a laser diode.

16. The weapon system of embodiment 14, wherein the firearm scopefurther comprises a user interface configured to receive one or moreinputs from the user, and wherein the firearm scope is furtherconfigured to modify a configuration of the reticle image generatorbased on the one or more inputs.

17. The weapon system of embodiment 1, further comprising a magazinethat includes an ammunition counter configured to count an amount ofcartridges within the magazine.

18. The weapon system of embodiment 17, wherein the image projectorgenerates a display of a symbol corresponding to the amount ofcartridges within the magazine.

19. The weapon system of embodiment 1, wherein the firearm scope furthercomprises coupling optics that couple the first image with the secondimage to obtain a superimposed image, and wherein the image projector isfurther configured to project the superimposed image onto the waveguidedisplay.

20. The weapon system of embodiment 1, wherein the image projector isconfigured to project at least the first image onto gratings of thewaveguide display.

21. The weapon system of embodiment 20, wherein the image projector isconfigured to project a first portion of the first image onto a gratingof a first layer of the waveguide display, a second portion of the firstimage onto a grating of a second layer of the waveguide display, and athird portion of the first image onto a grating of a third layer of thewaveguide display.

22. The weapon system of embodiment 21, wherein the first portion of thefirst image comprises light within red wavelength region and the firstlayer of the waveguide display is configured to reflect light within redwavelength region, the second portion of the first image comprises lightwithin green wavelength region and the second layer of the waveguidedisplay is configured to reflect light within green wavelength region,and the third portion of the first image comprises light within bluewavelength region and the third layer of the waveguide display isconfigured to reflect light within blue wavelength region.

23. The weapon system of embodiment 1, wherein the firearm scope furthercomprises a second projector configured to project at least the secondimage onto the waveguide display.

24. The weapon system of embodiment 23, wherein the image projectorprojects the first image onto the waveguide display via a first inputport of the waveguide display, and the second projector projects thesecond image onto the waveguide display via a second input port of thewaveguide display.

25. The weapon system of embodiment 23, wherein the second projectorcomprises the second image source.

26. The weapon system of embodiment 23, wherein the second projector ispowered by a different power source than the image projector.

27. The weapon system of embodiment 1, wherein the firearm is furtherconfigured to supply power to at least a portion of the firearm scope.

28. The weapon system of embodiment 1, wherein the first image and thesecond image are viewable through the second window.

29. The weapon system of embodiment 1, wherein the first imagecorresponds to the target scene.

Additional embodiments of the present disclosure can be described inview of the following numbered embodiments:

1. A firearm scope capable of providing both a video-view mode and adirect-view mode through a single viewing window, the firearm scopecomprising:

-   -   a housing comprising a first window configured to admit light        and a second window that enables a user to view a target scene;        and    -   a sight system at least partially housed within the housing, the        sight system configured to process the admitted light and to        present the target scene to the user via the second window, the        sight system comprising:        -   a direct view display viewable through the second window,            the direct view display having a luminous transmittance            greater than or equal to about 30% using CIE Illuminant D65            when viewed within at least 10 degrees of perpendicular to            the direct view display, thereby permitting a direct view of            the target scene through a transparent display substrate of            the direct view display;        -   a redirection element configured to redirect at least some            of the admitted light received through the first window            towards an image sensor when in a first state;        -   the image sensor configured to generate an image based on            the light received from the redirection element; and        -   a projector configured to project the image onto the            transparent display substrate of the direct view display.

2. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the direct view displaycomprises a waveguide.

3. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the direct view displaycomprises a see-through display or a transparent laser displayconfigured to support augmented reality.

4. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the direct view displayhas a luminous transmittance greater than or equal to about 80% usingCIE Illuminant D65.

5. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising an opticalcoupler configured to couple light corresponding to the image that isoutput by the projector to an input port of the direct view display.

6. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the redirection elementcomprises a pivotable mirror configured to pivot between at least afirst position associated with the first state and a second positionassociated with a second state, wherein the redirection elementredirects the at least some of the admitted light to the image sensorwhen in the first position, and wherein the redirection element does notredirect the at least some of the admitted light to the image sensorwhen in the second position associated with the second state.

7. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the redirection elementcomprises a beamsplitter.

8. The firearm scope of embodiment 6, wherein the beamsplitter has a 50%luminance transmittance.

9. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the redirection elementcomprises an electrochromic mirror.

10. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the image sensorcomprises a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

11. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the image sensorcomprises a focal-plane array.

12. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising a second imagesensor configured to generate a second image at least fromlong-wavelength infrared light within a wavelength range of between 8 to15 micrometers.

13. The firearm scope of embodiment 12, wherein the second image sensorcomprises a focal-plane array.

14. The firearm scope of embodiment 12, further comprising a secondredirection element configured to reflect at least the long-wavelengthinfrared light towards the second image sensor.

15. The firearm scope of embodiment 14, wherein the second redirectionelement is configured to at least transmit light within a visiblewavelength range of between 380 to 740 nanometers.

16. The firearm scope of embodiment 12, further comprising a processorconfigured to combine the image and the second image to obtain acombined image, wherein the projector projects the image onto thetransparent display substrate by projecting the combined image onto thetransparent display substrate.

17. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising a secondprojector configured to project symbology onto the transparent displaysubstrate of the direct view display.

18. The firearm scope of embodiment 17, wherein the symbology comprisesa reticle image.

19. The firearm scope of embodiment 18, wherein a configuration of thesecond projector is adjustable enabling adjustment of the reticle image.

20. The firearm scope of embodiment 17, wherein the projector and thesecond projector are powered by separate power sources.

21. The firearm scope of embodiment 17, wherein the second projectorcomprises a laser diode.

22. The firearm scope of embodiment 17, wherein the symbology comprisesweapon or magazine status information.

23. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the image projected ontothe transparent display substrate corresponds to the target scene.

24. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the direct view and theimage are simultaneously viewable through the second window.

25. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the image and a secondimage generated based at least in part on long-wavelength infrared lightare selectively viewable through the second window.

Additional embodiments of the present disclosure can be described inview of the following numbered embodiments:

1. A firearm scope capable of displaying superimposed source imagery ona waveguide display, the firearm scope comprising:

-   -   a housing comprising a first window configured to admit light        and a second window that enables a user to view a target scene;        and    -   a sight system at least partially housed within the housing, the        sight system configured to process the admitted light and to        present the target scene to the user via the second window, the        sight system comprising:        -   a first image source configured to generate a first image            for presentation to the user, wherein the first image source            generates the first image based at least in part on the            admitted light;        -   a second image source configured to generate a second image            for presentation to the user, wherein the second image            comprises symbology;        -   a waveguide display configured to display the second image            superimposed on the first image to the user; and        -   an image projector configured to project at least the first            image onto the waveguide display.

2. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the image projectorprojects the first image onto the waveguide display via a first opticalinput location of the waveguide display.

3. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the symbology comprises areticle image and the second image source comprises a reticle imagegenerator.

4. The firearm scope of embodiment 3, wherein the reticle imagegenerator comprises a laser diode.

5. The firearm scope of embodiment 3, further comprising a userinterface configured to adjust a configuration of the reticle imagegenerator in response to a user input.

6. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the second image sourcecomprises a second projector configured to project the second image ontothe waveguide display.

7. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the first image source andthe second image source are powered by separate power sources.

8. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising a second imageprojector configured to project at least the second image onto thewaveguide display.

9. The firearm scope of embodiment 8, wherein the image projectorprojects the first image onto the waveguide display via a first opticalinput location of the waveguide display and the second image projectorprojects the second image onto the waveguide display via a secondoptical input location of the waveguide display.

10. The firearm scope of embodiment 9, wherein the second optical inputlocation is on a different face of the waveguide display than the firstoptical input location.

11. The firearm scope of embodiment 8, further comprising a couplingoptics system that mixes an output of the image projector correspondingto the first image with an output of the second image projectorcorresponding to the second image to obtain a third image comprising thesecond image superimposed on the first image.

12. The firearm scope of embodiment 11, wherein the coupling opticssystem is further configured to provide the third image to an opticalinput location of the waveguide display enabling the waveguide displayto display the second image superimposed on the first image to the user.

13. The firearm scope of embodiment 8, wherein the image projectorprojects the first image onto a first set of one or more gratings of thewaveguide display the second image projector projects the second imageonto a second set of one or more gratings of the waveguide display.

14. The firearm scope of embodiment 13, wherein the first set of one ormore gratings and the second set of one or more gratings are accessiblevia a single optical input location of the waveguide display.

15. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising an opticalreceiver configured to receive digital data indicative of a number ofcartridges available to the user.

16. The firearm scope of embodiment 15, wherein the symbology comprisesan indication of the number of cartridges available to the user.

17. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the first image sourcecomprises a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

18. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the waveguide display hasa luminous transmittance greater than or equal to about 80% using CIEIlluminant D65.

19. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the waveguide display isfurther configured to display the second image to the user withoutpresentation of the first image.

20. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the admitted lightcomprises long-wavelength infrared light.

21. The firearm scope of embodiment 20, wherein the first imagecomprises a thermal image.

22. The firearm scope of embodiment 20, wherein the first imagecomprises a thermal image combined with a visible light image createdfrom light included in the admitted light that is within a visiblewavelength range.

23. The firearm scope of embodiment 20, wherein the long-wavelengthinfrared light is within a wavelength range of between 8 to 15micrometers.

24. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the waveguide display isformed from multiple layers comprising a red layer configured to receivelight within the red wavelengths, a green layer configured to receivelight within the green wavelengths, and a blue layer configured toreceive light within the blue wavelengths.

25. The firearm scope of embodiment 24, wherein the image projector isconfigured to project the light within the red wavelengths to an inputport of the red layer, project the light within the green wavelengths toan input port of the green layer, and project the light within the bluewavelengths to an input port of the blue layer.

26. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the first image and thesecond image are selectively viewable through the second window.

27. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the first image and thesecond image are simultaneously viewable through the second window.

28. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the symbology of thesecond image is user selectable.

Additional embodiments of the present disclosure can be described inview of the following numbered embodiments:

1. A firearm scope capable of providing both a thermal-view mode and adirect-view mode through a single viewing window, the firearm scopecomprising:

-   -   a housing comprising a first window configured to admit light        and a second window that enables a user to view a target scene;        and    -   a sight system at least partially housed within the housing, the        sight system configured to process the admitted light and to        present the target scene to the user via the second window, the        sight system comprising:        -   a direct view display viewable through the second window,            the direct view display transparent when viewed at a range            of angles, thereby permitting a direct view through a            transparent display substrate of the direct view display;        -   a beamsplitter configured to permit the transmittance of            light within a visible wavelength range while reflecting            light within an infrared wavelength range towards an image            sensor;        -   the image sensor configured to generate a thermal image            based on the light within the infrared wavelength range            received from the beamsplitter, thereby permitting a thermal            view; and        -   a projector configured to project the thermal image onto the            transparent display substrate of the direct view display.

2. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the image sensor comprisesa thermal focal-plane array capable of processing light within theinfrared spectrum.

3. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the beamsplitter comprisesa dichroic mirror.

4. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the direct view displaycomprises a waveguide.

5. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the direct view displaycomprises a see-through display or a transparent laser displayconfigured to support augmented reality.

6. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the direct view displayhas a luminous transmittance greater than or equal to about 80% usingCIE Illuminant D65.

7. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising a secondprojector configured to project a reticle image onto the transparentdisplay substrate of the direct view display.

8. The firearm scope of embodiment 7, further comprising a userinterface configured to receive input indicative of an adjustment to thereticle image, wherein the second projector adjusts a location of aprojection of the reticle image within the transparent display substratebased on the input.

9. The firearm scope of embodiment 7, wherein the projector and thesecond projector are powered by separate power sources.

10. The firearm scope of embodiment 7, wherein the second projectorcomprises a laser diode.

11. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising a secondprojector configured to project symbology onto the transparent displaysubstrate of the direct view display.

12. The firearm scope of embodiment 11, wherein the symbology comprisesone or more of: a cartridge count indicative of a number of cartridgeswithin a magazine; a status of a power source; an identifier of a targetstatus within the target scene; a jam state of a firearm; acommunication state between the firearm scope and the firearm.

13. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising a redirectionelement configured to redirect the light within the visible wavelengthrange towards a second image sensor.

14. The firearm scope of embodiment 13, wherein the second image sensorcomprises a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

15. The firearm scope of embodiment 13, wherein the second image sensoris configured to generate an image based on the light within the visiblewavelength range received from the redirection element.

16. The firearm scope of embodiment 15, further comprising a processorconfigured to superimpose the image with the thermal image to obtain acombined image.

17. The firearm scope of embodiment 16, wherein the projector is furtherconfigured to project the thermal image by projecting the combined imageonto the transparent display substrate of the direct view display.

18. The firearm scope of embodiment 15, wherein the projector is furtherconfigured to project the image onto the transparent display substrateof the direct view display.

19. The firearm scope of embodiment 18, wherein the image issimultaneously viewable through the second window with one or both ofthe direct view and the thermal view.

20. The firearm scope of embodiment 15, further comprising a secondprojector configured to project the image onto the transparent displaysubstrate of the direct view display.

21. The firearm scope of embodiment 20, wherein the image issimultaneously viewable through the second window with one or both ofthe direct view and the thermal view.

22. The firearm scope of embodiment 13, wherein the redirection elementis moveable between a first position that enables the redirectionelement to redirect the light within the visible wavelength rangetowards the second image sensor and a second position that permits thelight within the visible wavelength range to reach the direct viewdisplay without being blocked by the redirection element.

23. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising an eyedetector configured to detect whether an eye of the user is within athreshold distance of the second window.

24. The firearm scope of embodiment 23, further comprising a controllerconfigured to deactivate the image sensor and the projector when the eyeof the user is not detected within the threshold distance of the secondwindow.

25. The firearm scope of embodiment 23, further comprising a controllerconfigured to cause at least one of the image sensor or the projector toenter a low-power mode when the eye of the user is not detected withinthe threshold distance of the second window.

26. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the direct view and thethermal image are viewable through the second window.

27. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the direct view and thethermal image are simultaneously viewable through the second window.

28. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising a sunshieldconfigured to reduce an ambient light admitted by the first window.

Additional embodiments of the present disclosure can be described inview of the following numbered embodiments:

1. A firearm scope configured to provide a view of a target scene to auser, the firearm scope comprising:

-   -   a housing comprising a first aperture configured to admit light        and a second aperture configured to present the target scene to        the user; and    -   a sight system at least partially housed within the housing, the        sight system configured to process the admitted light and to        present the target scene to the user via the second aperture,        the sight system comprising:        -   a dichroic mirror configured to reflect at least some light            of the admitted light that is within infrared spectrum and            transmit at least some light of the admitted light that is            within visible spectrum;        -   a moveable mirror configured to reflect at least some light            within the visible spectrum towards an optical subsystem            when the moveable mirror is within a first position            associated with a first state;        -   an image processor configured to generate an image based on            light received from the optical subsystem;        -   a projector configured to project the image into a first            point of ingress of a holographic waveguide; and        -   the holographic waveguide configured to present the image to            the user when in the first state.

2. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the light admitted by thefirst aperture comprises visible light within the visible spectrum andinfrared light within the infrared spectrum.

3. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the dichroic mirror is atleast partially transparent to the user.

4. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the dichroic mirror ispositioned at an angle configured to reflect the light within theinfrared spectrum towards an infrared subsystem.

5. The firearm scope of embodiment 4, wherein the infrared subsystem isconfigured to generate an infrared image, and the projector is furtherconfigured to project the infrared image using the holographicwaveguide.

6. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the moveable mirror isconfigured to be moveable to a second position associated with a secondstate that permits the at least some light within the visible spectrumto be passed through to the holographic waveguide without beingreflected by the moveable mirror.

7. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the projector andholographic waveguide are calibrated such that light of an RGB output ofthe projector is matched to gratings at an input of the holographicwaveguide such that reflections of the RGB output within the holographicwaveguide form the image on a portion of the holographic waveguidealigned with the second aperture.

8. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising a secondprojector configured to project a reticle image using the holographicwaveguide.

9. The firearm scope of embodiment 8, wherein the reticle image isbore-sighted.

10. The firearm scope of embodiment 8, wherein the second projectorprojects the reticle image into the first point of ingress of theholographic waveguide.

11. The firearm scope of embodiment 8, wherein the second projectorprojects the reticle image into a second point of ingress of theholographic waveguide that differs from the first point of ingress.

12. The firearm scope of embodiment 11, wherein the second point ofingress is on a different surface of the holographic waveguide than thefirst point of ingress.

13. The firearm scope of embodiment 8, wherein the projector and thesecond projector are powered by separate power sources.

14. The firearm scope of embodiment 8, wherein the second projectorcomprises a laser diode.

15. The firearm scope of embodiment 8, wherein a configuration of thesecond projector is adjustable enabling adjustment of the reticle image.

16. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the image generated bythe image processor comprises a zoomed in image.

17. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the image processorcomprises a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

18. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, wherein the holographic waveguideis at least partially transparent to the user.

19. The firearm scope of embodiment 1, further comprising a receiverconfigured to receive digital data indicative of a number of cartridgesavailable to a user.

20. The firearm scope of embodiment 19, wherein the receiver comprisesan optical receiver.

21. The firearm scope of embodiment 19, wherein the receivercommunicates with a transmitter of a firearm that incorporates or isattached to the firearm scope.

22. The firearm scope of embodiment 19, wherein the number of cartridgescomprises a number of cartridges within a magazine inserted into afirearm that incorporates or is attached to the firearm scope.

23. The firearm scope of embodiment 19, wherein the number of cartridgescomprises a number of cartridges within one or more magazines registeredwith a firearm that incorporates or is attached to the firearm scope.

24. The firearm scope of embodiment 19, wherein one of the projector ora second projector configured to project a reticle image is furtherconfigured to project an image associated with the digital data onto theholographic waveguide.

Terminology

The embodiments described herein are exemplary. Modifications,rearrangements, substitute processes, etc. may be made to theseembodiments and still be encompassed within the teachings set forthherein. One or more of the steps, processes, or methods described hereinmay be carried out by one or more processing and/or digital devices,suitably programmed.

Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of anyof the algorithms described herein can be performed in a differentsequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not alldescribed acts or events are necessary for the practice of thealgorithm). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can beperformed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing,interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or onother parallel architectures, rather than sequentially.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and algorithm stepsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can beimplemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinationsof both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware andsoftware, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the disclosure.

The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented orperformed by a machine, such as a processor configured with specificinstructions, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) orother programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. A processor can be amicroprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be acontroller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same,or the like. A processor can also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, aplurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunctionwith a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

The elements of a method, process, or algorithm described in connectionwith the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly inhardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in acombination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory,flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, harddisk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readablestorage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium can becoupled to the processor such that the processor can read informationfrom, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative,the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor andthe storage medium can reside in an ASIC. A software module can comprisecomputer-executable instructions which cause a hardware processor toexecute the computer-executable instructions.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,”“may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or states are in any way required for one or moreembodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logicfor deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed inany particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,”“having,” “involving,” and the like are synonymous and are usedinclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additionalelements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or”is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so thatwhen used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or”means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may beeither X, Y or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y and/or Z).Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and shouldnot, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at leastone of Y or at least one of Z to each be present.

The terms “about” or “approximate” and the like are synonymous and areused to indicate that the value modified by the term has an understoodrange associated with it, where the range can be ±20%, ±15%, ±10%, ±5%,or ±1%. The term “substantially” is used to indicate that a result(e.g., measurement value) is close to a targeted value, where close canmean, for example, the result is within 80% of the value, within 90% ofthe value, within 95% of the value, or within 99% of the value.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” shouldgenerally be interpreted to include one or more described items.Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended toinclude one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devicescan also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations.For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B andC” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation Aworking in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry outrecitations B and C.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features as applied to illustrative embodiments, it will beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform and details of the devices or algorithms illustrated can be madewithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As will berecognized, certain embodiments described herein can be embodied withina form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forthherein, as some features can be used or practiced separately fromothers. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm scope capable of providing both athermal-view mode and a direct-view mode through a single viewingwindow, the firearm scope comprising: a housing comprising a firstwindow configured to admit light and a second window that enables a userto view a target scene; and a sight system at least partially housedwithin the housing, the sight system configured to process the admittedlight and to present the target scene to the user via the second window,the sight system comprising: a direct view display viewable through thesecond window, the direct view display transparent when viewed at arange of angles, thereby permitting a direct view through a transparentdisplay substrate of the direct view display; a beamsplitter configuredto permit the transmittance of light within a visible wavelength rangewhile reflecting light within an infrared wavelength range towards animage sensor; the image sensor configured to generate a thermal imagebased on the light within the infrared wavelength range received fromthe beamsplitter, thereby permitting a thermal view; and a projectorconfigured to project the thermal image onto the transparent displaysubstrate of the direct view display.
 2. The firearm scope of claim 1,wherein the image sensor comprises a thermal focal-plane array capableof processing light within the infrared spectrum.
 3. The firearm scopeof claim 1, wherein the beamsplitter comprises a dichroic mirror.
 4. Thefirearm scope of claim 1, wherein the direct view display comprises awaveguide.
 5. The firearm scope of claim 1, wherein the direct viewdisplay comprises a see-through display or a transparent laser displayconfigured to support augmented reality.
 6. The firearm scope of claim1, wherein the direct view display has a luminous transmittance greaterthan or equal to about 80% using CIE Illuminant D65.
 7. The firearmscope of claim 1, further comprising a second projector configured toproject a reticle image onto the transparent display substrate of thedirect view display.
 8. The firearm scope of claim 7, further comprisinga user interface configured to receive input indicative of an adjustmentto the reticle image, wherein the second projector adjusts a location ofa projection of the reticle image within the transparent displaysubstrate based on the input.
 9. The firearm scope of claim 7, whereinthe projector and the second projector are powered by separate powersources.
 10. The firearm scope of claim 7, wherein the second projectorcomprises a laser diode.
 11. The firearm scope of claim 1, furthercomprising a second projector configured to project symbology onto thetransparent display substrate of the direct view display.
 12. Thefirearm scope of claim 11, wherein the symbology comprises one or moreof: a cartridge count indicative of a number of cartridges within amagazine; a status of a power source; an identifier of a target statuswithin the target scene; a jam state of a firearm; a communication statebetween the firearm scope and the firearm.
 13. The firearm scope ofclaim 1, further comprising a redirection element configured to redirectthe light within the visible wavelength range towards a second imagesensor.
 14. The firearm scope of claim 13, wherein the second imagesensor comprises a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)sensor.
 15. The firearm scope of claim 13, wherein the second imagesensor is configured to generate an image based on the light within thevisible wavelength range received from the redirection element.
 16. Thefirearm scope of claim 15, further comprising a processor configured tosuperimpose the image with the thermal image to obtain a combined image.17. The firearm scope of claim 16, wherein the projector is furtherconfigured to project the thermal image by projecting the combined imageonto the transparent display substrate of the direct view display. 18.The firearm scope of claim 15, wherein the projector is furtherconfigured to project the image onto the transparent display substrateof the direct view display.
 19. The firearm scope of claim 18, whereinthe image is simultaneously viewable through the second window with oneor both of the direct view and the thermal view.
 20. The firearm scopeof claim 15, further comprising a second projector configured to projectthe image onto the transparent display substrate of the direct viewdisplay.
 21. The firearm scope of claim 20, wherein the image issimultaneously viewable through the second window with one or both ofthe direct view and the thermal view.
 22. The firearm scope of claim 13,wherein the redirection element is moveable between a first positionthat enables the redirection element to redirect the light within thevisible wavelength range towards the second image sensor and a secondposition that permits the light within the visible wavelength range toreach the direct view display without being blocked by the redirectionelement.
 23. The firearm scope of claim 1, further comprising an eyedetector configured to detect whether an eye of the user is within athreshold distance of the second window.
 24. The firearm scope of claim23, further comprising a controller configured to deactivate the imagesensor and the projector when the eye of the user is not detected withinthe threshold distance of the second window.
 25. The firearm scope ofclaim 23, further comprising a controller configured to cause at leastone of the image sensor or the projector to enter a low-power mode whenthe eye of the user is not detected within the threshold distance of thesecond window.
 26. The firearm scope of claim 1, wherein the direct viewand the thermal image are viewable through the second window.
 27. Thefirearm scope of claim 1, wherein the direct view and the thermal imageare simultaneously viewable through the second window.
 28. The firearmscope of claim 1, further comprising a sunshield configured to reduce anambient light admitted by the first window.